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M 




V",''^- 









r M ►, < ( , t ■ , ■ , V V ' r- ' 






BLACK 





I 




tt 





i 







W\\\U to mat? in four mnwrB. 



3 ^ 



CHESS LYRICS 



A COLLECTION OF CHESS PROBLEMS 



BY 



A. F. MACKENZIE 

1887-1905 



EDITED BY 

ALAIN C. WHITE 



NEW YORK 

J. H. GRAHAM, PUBLISHER 

1905 



(?^ 'p 



'06 



PRESS OF 

Charles Day 
125-127 worth street 

NEW YORK 






r 



^ 



TO 

M. W. W. 

THIS WORK IS DEDICATED 
BY THE EDITOR 



^tfittUh fram ^art; pn^ mttl; matrljbBa skill 
Qllfat BpBzkB brgottb htB)tut^ tl;^ maBt^r mtnht 
||tJ5l| Btrati?gu mtJi grare Mtgljt ub bUIL 
Unrtnalkln. aa of oih, Mntktn^xfB rljraB 
U? B0imliB again tl|? not? nf proub &mttBS, 

^mttttth bg JttBpiratiott'B flumittg tXht, 
(§n Ijim tljr vnui^li rob^ of fame must fall — 
Uenomneb for geniuB aprealiing far an5 mihe, 
ijeligliting anli ^«rl|attting ^arl| wxh all! 

j]{oBt fearful l|iB afiBlirtion! (§n IjiB egea 
A fiab anli Jrearg weil of blarknefiB lies, 
Olonrealing all lljiuga in an enbleaa nigljtt 
JCittJi fares are to Ijitn but mern'ries briglyt. 
?E'en tljouglj henieb tlye boon of l|eatten*B liglyt, 
55^0 rioal liare beng l|im foremost plare — 
2ealouB in rontest — tljouglj Ije takes Ijis part 
3ln barknesB, get lye ronqners in tlye rare 
lEarli stout opponent bg lyis magir art! 

— Pl|ilip % Milliams. 



Vlll 



CHESS LYRICS 



A. 

BLACK 




WHITE 

White to mate in two moves. 
1. Qa2. 



B. 

BLACK 




WHITE 

Mate in two moves. 
1. Ph3. 




INTRODUCTION, 



T IS now three years since the idea of making 
a collection of Mr. Mackenzie's problems first 
came to me. I had recently, after some 
difficulty, obtained a copy of "Chess, Its 
Poetry and Its Prose, " and the study of 
this work brought home very clearly to me 
the need of a supplementary volume which 
should carry the record of Mr. Mackenzie's career up to 
date. His own inability to undertake the work moved me 
to attempt it, and when, after writing to obtain his per- 
mission, I had received his warm encouragement in the 
task, I entered upon it with an eagerness and anticipation 
of pleasure which have only increased as the collection 
approached completeness. 

At first I had a very slight conception of the size my collec- 
tion would reach. The fact that Mr. Mackenzie had kept 
no trace of many of his problems, made the work largely one 
of exploration. When the resources of my own library failed, 
I turned to the files of papers and magazines in the British 
Museum and New York Public Libraries; and further help 
was warmly tendered by friends and correspondents every- 
where. 

Out of these varied channels has grown the collection 
that I now lay before the reader. In it I have tried to bring 
together in convenient form the later productions of the 
man who is undoubtedly the greatest chess-problem artist 
now living. I have added all that seemed to me of value 
in the immense amount of critical matter dealing with his 
problems which has been published in tourney reports or 
periodicals, or communicated to me in manuscript. I have 
included very few opinions of my own, save where a few 
words seemed necessary by way of explanation or otherwise. 
Many problems, especially of course Mr. Mackenzie's less 
known ones, have consequently been left without any critical 
remarks whatever; while in other cases the notes are of 
considerable length. Although this has resulted in depriving 
the work of any pretense to uniformity of treatment, I 
have preferred to publish it just as it stood in my manu- 
script rather than try to fill in the gaps with made-to-order 
criticisms of my own. I am responsible, however, for all 
the unsigned portions of the notes. 



CHESS LYRICS 




White 

Mate in two moves. 

1. Qa4. 



D. 

BLACK 




WHITE 

Mate in two moves. 
1. Bh2. 



CHESS LTRICS xi 

Strictly speaking no introduction to a collection of Mr. Mac- 
kenzie's problems is necessary; but often what is not absolutely 
necessary may be of interest, and I am sure that a short attempt 
to define Mr. Mackenzie's genius will be welcomed. The fact 
that, like Milton and Beethoven, he has had since 1896 to 
labor handicapped by the total loss of what would naturally 
be considered the most essential of the five senses, has won 
for him universal sympathy; but the further fact that, like 
the blind poet and the deaf musician, he has risen above 
his affliction, and actually turned his affliction into a new 
liberty free from the material shackles by which the rest 
of mankind is weighed down, has won for him even wider 
admiration and fame. 

Mr. Mackenzie was born in Kingston, Jamaica, his 
father being an Englishman, Mr. Edwin Yarrington Macken- 
zie of Devonshire, and his maternal grandfather the late 
Edward Colston Lewis of Bristol. After graduating from 
the Church of England and Collegiate School in Kingston, 
Mr. Mackenzie became junior master in that institution, but 
was compelled by his failing health to relinquish the position. 
Like so many other invalids he found in Chess the pleasantest 
solace. Although he had learnt the moves when a mere 
schoolboy, he only slowly developed his powers as a prob- 
lemist, through a happy series of accidents which he has 
himself described for this book. 

Once engaged in the lists of problem tournaments, how- 
ever, Mr. Mackenzie won his way rapidly to the front rank 
of Chess Knights, becoming at last the acknowledged Cham- 
pion whom Time and Affliction have only succeeded in es- 
tablishing more firmly as leader. 

The following detailed roll of his trophies is probably 
incomplete, as I have been unable to find record of the 
awards of some tourneys he has entered, but as it stands the 
list, which covers exactly twenty-five years, is, to the best 
of my knowledge, unrivaled. Nor is it necessary for me 
to emphasize the importance of many of the tournaments 
in which he has won premier honors, such as those held by the 
British Chess Magazine, Vienna Schachzeitung, and Bohemian 
Chess Club , which are among the most import ant ever institut ed . 

1880-81— Burnley Express, England. Third Prize, 2-er. 
1880-81 — Baltimore American, U. S. A. Honorable Mention, 
2-er. 



Xll 



CHESS LYRICS 



E. 

BLACK 




WHITE 

Mate in two moves. 
1. Pc3. 



F. 

BLACK 




WHITE 

Mate in two moves. 
1. Rf4. 



CHESS LYRICS xiii 

1880-81 — Boy's Newspaper, London. Honorable Mention, 

2-er. 
1880-81 — Leeds Mercury, England. Honorable Mention, 

3-er. 
1881-82 — Boy's Newspaper, London. Second Prize, Set of 

two 2-ers. 
1881-82— Brief: The Week's News, London. Special Prize, 

Flight-square 2-er. 
1881-82— Lebanon Herald, U. S. A. Third Prize, Set of 

2-er and 3-er. 
1882 — Elmira Telegram, U. S. A. Second Prize, 2-er. 
1882 — Brighton Guardian, England. Second, Fourth, and 

Sixth Prizes, 2-ers. 
1882 — Baltimore News. First Prize, 3-er. 
1882 — Brentano's Chess Monthly, New York. Fifth Prize, 

3-er. 
1883 — Matlock Register, England. First Prize, 2-er. 
1884 — St. John Globe, New Brunswick: 1st Tourney. First 

and Second Prizes, 2-ers; and Third Prize, 3-er. 
1884 — Sheffield Independent, England. Honorable Mention, 

2-er. 
1884 — Croydon Guardian, England. First Prize, End-game; 

and Honorable Mention, 2-sui. 
1884-85 — Letts' Household Magazine, London. First Prize, 

2-er. 
1884-85— Nuova Rivista degli Scacchi, Italy. Third Prize, 

ex aequo, Set, 2-er, 3-er, and 4-er. 
1884-86 — London Chess Monthly. Fourth Prize, 2-er; and 

Honorable Mention, 3-er. 
1885— Buffalo Times. Second Prize, 2-er. 
1885 — British Chess Magazine, London. Honorable Mention, 

9-sui. 
1885-86 — Mirror of American Sports. First Prize, 2-er; and 

Second Prize, 3-er. 
1885-86 — Ottawa Citizen, Canada. Second Prize, and Hon- 
orable Mention, 2-ers. 
1886 — Brooklyn Chess Chronicle. First Prize, 2-er; and 

First Prize, 4-er. 
1886 — Milwaukee Telegraph. First Prize, 3-er. 
1886 — Baltimore News. Second Prize, 3-er; and Honorable 

Mention, 2-er. 
1886 — lUustreret Familie Journal, Denmark. Fourth Prize, 

2-er. 



XIV 



CHESS LYRICS \ 



G. 

BLACK 




WHITE 

Mate in two moves. 
1. Pc3. 



H. 

BLACK 




WHITE 

Mate in two moves. 
1. Kt e6. 



CHESS LYRICS xv 

1886-87— The Wanderer, Second Prize, 2-er; and Third Prize, 

3-er. 
1886-87— Illustreret Aret Om, Denmark. Fourth Prize, 

3-er. 
1887-88 — Northern Figaro, Aberdeen. First Prize, 2-er; 

and Second Prize, 3-er. 
1888 — Scottish Chess Association. First Prize, 4-er. 
1888 — Baltimore News: 6th Tourney. Second Prize, 2-er. 
1888— St. John Globe, N. B.: 2nd Tourney. Second Prize 

and Sixth Best, 2-ers. 
1888 — Melbourne Congress Tourney. Second Best, 2-er. 
1888— Wilkesbarre Record, U. S. A. Fourth Prize, 2-er. 
1888-89 — Manchester Weekly Times. Honorable Mention, 

2-er. 
1888-89 — Columbia Chess Chronicle, New York. First 

Prize, 2-er; and Honorable Mention, 3-er. 
1888-89 — Northern Figaro, Aberdeen. Sixth Prize, ex 

aequo, and Tenth Best, 2-ers. 
1889 — Munchener Neuesten Nachrichten, Bavaria. Hon- 
orable Mention, 4-er; and Honorable Mention, 

3-er. 
1889 — Leamington Chronicle, England. Second Prize, 2-er. 
1889-90 — Conversazione della Domenica, Italy. Third Prize, 

ex «quo, 2-er. 
1890 — Brownson's Chess Journal, Dubuque: 9th Tourney. 

Second Prize, 2-er. 
1890 — Brownson's Chess Journal, Dubuque: 10th Tourney. 

First*, Fifth and Sixth Prizes, Selected 3-ers. 
1890 — British Chess Magazine. Fifth and Seventh Prize, 

2-ers. 
1890-91 — Sunny South. First and Third Prizes, 3-ers. 
1890-91— Bahn Frei, New York. Fourth Prize, 2-er. 
1892 — British Chess Magazine. First and Second Prizes, 

and Sixth Best, 3-ers. 
1892 — British Chess Magazine: Novelty Tourney. Second 

Prize, 2-er. 
1892— St. John Globe, N. B.: 5th Tourney. First, Second, 

Fifth, and Ninth Prizes, 2-ers. 
1892— Pittsburgh Dispatch. First and Fourth Prizes, 3-ers. 
1892 — London Schoolmaster. Honorable Mention, 2-er. 
1893— Scholastic Globe. First Prize, Set 2-er and 3-er. 
1893— Dublin Herald. First Prize, 3-er. 

♦This was the problem which won First Prize in Baltimore News, 1882. 



XVI 



CHESS LYRICS 



I. 

BLACK 




WHITE 

Mate in two moves. 
1. Ra3. 



J. 

BLACK 




WHITE 

Mates in two moves. 
1. Kt e4. 



CHESS LYRICS xvii 

1893 — New York Staatszeitung. First Prize and Honorable 

Mention, 3-ers; and Honorable Mention, 2-er. 
1893-94 — Munchener Neuesten Nachrichten, Bavaria. Two 

Honorable Mentions, 3-ers. 
1894 — Schachmatny Journal, St. Petersburg. Honorable 

Mention, 3-er. 
1894 — St. James' Budget, London. Third Prize, 2-er; and 

Third Prize, 3-er. 
1894 — Knowledge, London. Honorable Mention, 3-er. 
1894 — Leeds Mercury. Third Prize, 3-er. 
1894 — Manchester Weekly Times. Honorable Mention, 3-er. 
1894-95 — Manchester Weekly Times. First Prize, 3-er; and 

Third Prize, 2-er; constituting also the 

First Prize Set, 2-er and 3-er. 
1894-95 — Liverpool Mercury. Third Prize, 3-er. 
1895-96— Brighton Chess Club. First Prize, 3-er. 
1896-97 — Bradford Observer Budget. Honorable Mention, 

2-er. 
1897 — Brighton Society: 5th Tourney. Third Prize, 2-sui. 
1897— Brighton Society: 6th Tourney. First Prize, 3-er. 
1897 — Leeds Mercury. Fifth Prize, and Ninth Best, 2-ers. 
1897-98 — Birmingham Post. Fourth Prize, ex ^quo, 2-er. 
1897-98— British Chess Magazine, 8th Tourney. First Prize; 

and First Honorable Mention, 3-ers. 
1898 — Bohemian Chess Club, Prague. First Prize, 3-er. 
1898— Manchester Weekly Times. Fifth Best, 2-er. 
1898 — Kentish Mercury. Fourth Prize, and Honorable 

Mention, 2-ers. 
1898-99 — Brighton Society, 8th Tourney. First Prize, 2-er; 

and First Prize, ex aequo, 2-sui. 
1898-99 — New York Sun. First Prize, Heavyweight, and 

Honorable Mention, Middleweight, 3-ers; 

and Third Prize, ex aequo, 2-er. 
1898-99 — Der Schachfreund, Berlin. Second Prize, 3-er; 

and Honorable Mention, 2-er. 
1898-99— Sydney Morning Herald, N. S. W.: 4th Tourney. 

First Prize, and Two Honorable Mentions, 

2-ers. 
1899 — Brighton Society: 9th Tourney. First Prize, 3-er. 
1899— Otago Witness, N. Z.: 6th Tourney. Second Prize, 

3-er. 
1899 — Aftonbladet, Sweden: 2nd Tourney. Two Honorable 

Mentions, 3-ers. 



CHESS LYRICS 
K. 

BLACK 




WHITE 

Mate in two moves. 
1. Bgl. 



L. 

BLACK 




WHITE 

Mate in two moves. 
1. Qe3. 



CHESS LTRICS xix 

1899 — Eco degli Scacchi, Italy. Second Prize, ex aequo, 3-er. 
1899-1900 — Hampstead and Highgate Express, 2nd Tourney. 

Two Honorable Mentions, 2-ers. 
1899-1900— Sydney Morning Herald, N. S. W.: 5th Tourney. 

First and Second Special Prizes, and Three 

Honorable Mentions, 2-ers. 
1900 — Leisure Hour, 1st Tourney. Third Prize, 2-er; and 

Honorable Mention, 3-er. 
1900 — Manchester Weekly Times. Second Prize, ex aequo, 

2-er; and Fourth Best, 3-er. 
1900 — Otago Witness, N. Z.: 7th Tourney. Honorable 

Mention 2-er. 
1900 — British Chess Magazine. First Prize, End-game. 
1900-01 — Brighton Society: 11th tourney. Honorable 

Mention, 2-er; and First and Third Prizes, 3- 

ers. 
1900-01— Sydney Morning Herald, N. S. W.; 6th Tourney, 

Honorable Mention, 2-er. 
190] — British Chess Magazine: 10th Tourney. First, Sec- 
ond, and Third Prizes, 3-sui. 
1901 — Brighton Society: 12th Tourney. First Prize and 

Honorable Mention, 2-ers; and First Prize, 

ex sequo, 2-sui. 
1901 — Hampstead and Highgate Express: 4th Tourney. 

First Prize and Honorable Mention, 2-ers. 
1901 — Birmingham Post. First and Second Prizes, 3-ers. 
1901 — Leisure Hour; 2nd Tourney, Colonial Section. Two 

Honorable Mentions, 2-ers; and First Prize, 

3-er. 
1901— Otago Witness, N. Z.: 8th Tourney. Two Honorable 

Mentions, 3-ers. 
1901 — Tidskrift for Schack, Sweden. Honorable Mention, 3-er. 
1901 — Nuova Rivista degli Scacchi. Second Prize, 3-er. 
1901 — Wiener Schachzeitung, Austria. First Prize, 3-er. 
1901-02— Norwood News. First and Third Prizes, 2-ers. 
1901-02— Kingston Society, Ireland. Sixth Best, 2-er. 
1902 — British Chess Magazine; 11th Tourney. First, and 

Second (ex aequo) Prizes, 3-ers. 
1902 — Hampstead and Highgate Express: 5th Tourney. 

Honorable Mention, 2-er. 
1902 — Brighton and Hove Society. First Prize, 3-er. 
1902— Leisure Hour: 3rd Tourney. Fifth Prize, 3-er. 



XX 



CHESS LYRICS 



M. 

BLACK 




WHITE 

Mate in two moves. 
1. Qf8. 



BLACK 




WHITE 

Mate in two moves. 
1. Ba8. 



CHESS LYRICS xxi 

1902.— Sydney Morning Herald, N. S. W.: 7th Tourney. 
Three Honorable Mentions, 2-ers. 

1901-03 — Leeds Mercury. First Prize, and Tenth Best, 2-ers. 

1902-03— Sydney Morning Herald, N. S. W.: 8th Tourney. 
First Prize and First Special Prize, 2-ers. 

1902-03. — Literary Digest, New York. Honorable Mention. 
3-er. 

1903 — Norwich Mercury. Fifth and Seventh Best, and Hon- 
orable Mention, King-in-Comer, 2-ers. 

1903-04 — Hampstead and Highgate Express; 6th Tourney. 
Honorable Mention, 2-er. 

1903-04— Aftonbladet: 5th Tourney. Eighth Prize, 3-er. 

1903-04 — Brighton and Hove Society. First Prize, 2-er. 

1903-04 — Brighton and Hove Society and Das Neue Illus- 
trirte Blatt Joint Tourney. Eighth Prize, 
ex aequo, and Honorable Mention, 3-ers. 

1904 — Revue d'Echecs. Honorable Mention and Ninth 
Best, 2-ers. 

1904-05 — Hampstead and Highgate Express: 7th Tourney. 
Third Prize, 2-er. 

1904-05 — Cheltenham Examiner. First Prize, and Hon- 
orable Mention, 2-ers. 

1904-05 — Western Daily Mercury. Fourth Prize, 2-er. 

1905 — London Opinion. Weekly Prize, 2-er. 

1903-05 — Melbourne Leader. Honorable Mention, Set, 2-er, 
and 3-er. 

1904-05 — Sydney Morning Herald. First Prize, and Second 
Special Prize, 2-ers. 

The explanation of this phenomenal array of tourney 
successes is surely well worth seeking. Perhaps the key- 
note of Mr. Mackenzie's genius may be defined as his 
Cosmopolitanism. He has assimilated more than any other 
composer the best traits of each of the principal schools 
of construction without following any of them slavishly. 
Thus, speaking in a general manner, he is fond of the striking 
moves which are so dear to American composers, and he pre- 
sents his chief ideas with the beauty and precision of Con- 
tinental standards, paying at the same time the close atten- 
tion to accuracy in minor details which is associated with 
English problems. Although he has no radical objection to 
duals, his constructive powers have enabled him to eliminate 
them so entirely from his problems, that when one meets 



CHESS LYRICS 
O. 

BLACK 




WHITE 

Mate in three moves. 
1. Bhl. 



P. 

BLACK 




WHITE. 

Mate in three moves. 
1. Qa6. 



CHESS LYRICS xxiii 

a few in such a position as No. 171, there comes a feeUng 
that some misprint has crept in. 

I am very fortunate to be able to illustrate Mr. Macken- 
zie's chief traits with a series of problems specially composed 
for this work. They are of somewhat slighter texture than 
most of his prize-winners, but through their lesser complexity 
will let me show clearly the elements I want to point out. 

Let us take first a two-mover in Mr. Mackenzie's older 
manner, No. A. This is a new version of a problem composed 
in 1892. The long-flight key was a favorite with its author, 
and here the Queen is offered to double sacrifice, a feature 
very difficult to introduce without duals. It will be noticed 
that the mates have decided point, as in the group of related 
mates after 1 . . . either RxQ, 1 . . . either Rb3, and 1 . . . Pc2; at 
the same time none of the mates are individually remarkable, 
and the merit of the problem lies in the uniform accuracy 
of the whole. The exact opposite is true of B, where the 
Jkey does not come up to the beauty of the two flight-square 
mates, or in other words, where the attention is captivated by 
the mating positions rather than by the harmony of the whole. 
Between these two extremes of problems perfect in mate 
and problems perfect in massive execution there are many 
gradations. Such the threat problem, No. C, in which the 
interest centres on the quality of the defence, especially of 
Black's three self-blocks; or No. D, in which a definite theme 
is illustrated, in this case the suggestive cross-check idea, 
inspired by Mr. Heathcote's beautiful prize-winner in 
Revue d'Echecs. Ten more original two-movers are quoted, 
Nos. E-N, which although slight, give a good foretaste of 
Mr. Mackenzie's manner. 

Passing to three-movers we meet a somewhat similar con- 
dition, ranging from interest in particular mates, through 
strategy depending on Black's defence, to the perfect en- 
semble. The combination, of beautiful mates, as in No. O, is 
one of Mr. Mackenzie's greatest powers, and we are for- 
tunate in having numerous examples of its application. 
Undoubtedly, this is the form of problem best bearing re- 
peated study. The defence problems in three-moves are apt 
to take a sacrificial form, as in No. P, where the decoy of 
powerful Black men makes beautiful second moves possible. 
The complete three-mover, where the idea unfolds itself 
quietl}^ and by degrees, is shown in No. Q. Here each mate 
shares in importance with the clever key-move and varied 



XXIV 



CHESS LYRICS 



Q. 

BLACK 




WHITE 

Mate in three moves. 
1. Qfl. 



R. 

BLACK 




WHITE 

Mate in three moves. 
1. Ka3. 



CHESS LYRICS xxv 

continuations, there are no sudden sacrifices nor outbursts 
of brilliancy, but rather the sense of careful and dignified 
unity. 

If after reading this very brief and tentative classifica- 
cation of Mr. Mackenzie's work one runs over the problems 
in the body of this collection, I think it will be seen that 
many of the positions have been accounted for. But, on 
the whole, genius does not lend itself to classification, and 
a number of the problems will have to be taken as rule- 
proving exceptions to my scheme. Indeed these very prob- 
lems show that Mr. Mackenzie's genius is not to be tied 
down to matters of rule. A beautiful example of what I 
mean is No. R, where the defence 1, . . . Ba6 quite baffles 
analysis. 

Of late years Mr. Mackenzie has achieved little in the 
four-move line. A couple of specimens will be found inclu- 
ded in this collection, and another, which was awarded a 
first prize while Mr. Mackenzie's earlier work "Chess: Its 
Poetry and its Prose" was under press, is reprinted as 
Frontispiece to the present volume. 

As stated above I obtained many of the problems con- 
tained in the following pages from my own library and from 
newspaper files. A considerable number also were sent 
me by Mr. Mackenzie, and the marvellous accuracy witli 
which he has recalled his earlier works is one of the most 
astounding manifestations of his powers of memory. So- 
far as possible, I have endeavored to verify from other 
sources the positions he has, as it were, evoked from the 
hidden recesses of his mind. I have had very valuable 
assistance in testing all problems not copied from reliable 
diagrams from Mr. H. W. Barry, the problem editor of Brook- 
lyn Eagle and American Chess Bulletin, and one of the 
most thorough solvers living. I have therefore reason to 
hope that few inaccuracies have crept into this book. Should 
any of serious moment be discovered, I trust readers will 
bring them to my attention. 

The help received from Mr. Barry and other fellow prob- 
lemists has, indeed, been one of the most pleasant features 
of my work. Many old correspondents have sent me 
information from sources to which I did not have access,, 
and our common interest in this work has served me as 
introduction to many new friends and correspondents. It 
would be impossible to enumerate all who have collaborated 



xxvi CHESS LYRICS 

with me in compiling this volume of Chess Lyrics; but I 
must specify my indebtedness in a few cases. Mr. B. G. 
Laws, the popular problem editor of the British Chess Maga- 
zine, has given me extensive assistance, notwithstanding 
the anxieties of a long, protracted illness; Mr. Samuel Tinsley, 
of the London Times, allowed me to make use of his father's 
immense collection of chess clippings; and Mr. John Keeble, 
of the Norwich Mercury, has lessened the number of gaps 
in my pages by placing at my disposal valuable manuscript 
letters from the librar}^ of the late Mr. J. A. Miles. Among 
others who have tendered help of one sort or another are Dr. 
C. Planck, Mrs. W. J. Baird, Mr. P. H. WiUiams, Dr. J. W. 
Hunt, Mr. Godfrey Heathcote, Mr. F. Newsome, Mr. Jas. 
White, Rev. R. J. Wright, Mr. A. C. Challenger, Mr. Max 
J. Meyer, Mr. A. J. Mackenzie, Mr. E. E. Westbur>^ Mr. 
H. Hosey Davis; the late Mr. H. Bennecke, Mr. J. C. J. 
Wainwright, Mr. S. Loyd, Mr. F. B. Phelps, Mr. G. E. Car- 
penter, Mr. F. M. Teed, Mr. S. M. Joseph; Professor Upendra- 
nath Maitra; Mr. S. S. Blackburne; and Herr C. Kockelkom. 
To these, and the many who gave me lesser assistance, 
my thanks are warmly offered. 

Throughout the work the German notation has been 
employed, denoting the vertical files by the letters a . . . h, 
and the horizontal ranks by the figures 1 . . . 8, (i. e. 
al = QRsq, g4=KKt4, etc). The English abbreviations 
for the pieces have been retained. It has been thought 
advisable to use a simple form of the German notation, 
which to the Editor seems the most universally intelligible 
of the notations in common use, so that the solutions should 
be clear to readers of as many countries as possible and also 
that one standard might be adhered to in adapting and 
translating criticisms in various languages for the notes. 

The list of Original Subscribers is, in length, a much 
shorter one than might have been expected; but it will be 
noticed how widely scattered over the face of the world the 
subscribers are, a fact which at least augurs well for the 
future success of the Collection, affording, if that were ne- 
cessary, new proof of the universal popularity of Mr. Macken- 
zie's problems. There are probably two quite external 
causes for the smallness of the Subscription List: One is, 
that before publication a privately printed work cannot be 
advertised as widely as can one to be issued by a well estab- 
lished pubhshing firm. The other is the unfortunate rep- 



CHESS LYRICS xxvii 

utiition American chess problem ventures have of not coming 
up to scratch — whence many who might be interested do 
not pay any attention to new undertakings until they actually 
materialize. It is to be hoped that this state of things is 
passing, and that American efforts in the Problem World 
will gradually be given more serious consideration. 

ALAIN C. WHITE. • 
560 Fifth Avenue, 

New York, July 10, 1905. 



LIST OF SUBSCRIBERS. 

His Grace, the Archbishop of the West Indies. 

The Right Rev. J. F. W^elsh, Bishop of Trinidad. 

C. F. Anstey, Esq., Montreal, Canada. 

Mrs. W. J. Baird, Brighton, England. 

G^ustav A. Barth, Esq.. Stapleton, N. Y. 

G. Bergsson, Esq., Isafjordur, Iceland. 

S. S. Blackbume, Esq., Christchurch, New Zealand. 

L. S. H. Booth, Esq., Falmouth, Jamaica. 

Geo. E. 'Carpenter, Esq., Tarrytown, N. Y. (2 copies). 

E. B. Cook, Esq., Hoboken, N. J. 
James H. Cooley, Esq., Baltimore, Md. 
Leonard de Cordova, Esq., Kingston, Jamaica. 
Signer Antonio Corrias, Ozieri, Italy. 

J. A. Coultaus, Esq., Brooklyn, N. Y. 
Dr. L. Oliver Crosswell, Black River, Jamaica. 
John Dillon, Esq., M. P., Dublin, Ireland. 
C. B. Dyar, Esq., Newton, Mass. 

F. B. Fearon,Esq.,Carthagena, U. S. Columbia (2 copies) 
Charles Field, Jr. Esq., Athol, Mass. 

Graham D. Fitch, Esq., Little Rock, Ark. 
H. Fruwirth, Esq., Brooklyn, N. Y. 
F. Gamage, Esq., Westboro, Mass. 
A. H. Gerwig, Esq., Pittsburg, Penn. 
A. Greenwood, Esq., Los Angeles, Cal. 
Sr. J. M. Guerra, Monterrey, Mexico. 
Thomas Harlin, Esq., Windsor, Victoria. 



li CHESS LYRICS 

Thomas J. Hazlett, Esq., Port Maria, Jamaica. 

Godfrey Heathcote, Esq., Amside, England. (4 copies). 

Hermann Helms, Esq., Brooklyn, N. Y. 

J. E. Hitchcock, Esq., Oberlin, Ohio. 

The Institute of Jamaica. 

Rev. J. Jespersen, Svendborg, Denmark. 

John Keeble, Esq., Norwich, England. 

Howard Kellogg, Esq., Buffalo, N. Y. 

W. I. Kennard, Esq., Melrose, Mass. 

Herr J. Kohtz, Dresden, Germany. 

Samuel Loyd, Esq., Brooklyn, N. Y. 

I. I. Lyon, Esq., Port Maria, Jamaica. 

Will H. Lyons, Esq., Newport, Kentucky. (35 copies). 

Eugene M. Magnus, Esq., Kingston, Jamaica. 

Professor Upendranath Maitra, Cuttack, British India. 

Murray Marble, Esq., Worcester, Mass. 

Max J. Meyer, Esq., Bournemouth, England. 

Mrs. P. C. Morris, London, England. 

John J. O'Keefe, Esq., Kogarah, N. S. W. 

Dr. C. Planck, Hay ward's Heath, England. 

M. Numa Preti, Paris, France (6 copies). 

Robert J. Quexley, Esq., Birmingham, England, 

Count A. L. Rozwadowski, Chicago, 111. 

Dr. A. R. Saunders, Kingston, Jamaica, 

A. P. Silvera, Esq., Richmond, Jamaica. 

W. E. Slemmons, Esq., Washington, Penn. 

H. W. Smith, Esq., Kingtson, Jamaica. 

I. C. Snow, Esq., Cambridge, Mass. 

F. M. Teed, Esq., New York, N. Y. 

W. H. Thompson, Esq. London, England. 

Lieut. L. C. Thuillier, I. A., Bengal, India. 

Samuel Tinsley, Esq., London, England. 

P. Toepfer Esq., Milwaukee, Wis. (2 copies). 

E. P. Updegraff, Esq., Fargo, N. D. 

H. C. von Post, Esq., New York, N. Y. 

J. C. J. Wainwright, Esq., Somerville, Mass. 

C. H. Wheeler, Esq., Chicago, 111. 

John G. White, Esq., Cleveland, Ohio. 

John Jay White Jr., Esq., New York, N. Y. 

Miss M. W. White, New York, N. Y. 

Dr. D. J. Williams, Kingston, Jamaica. 

Philip H. Williams, Esq., A. C. A., London, (2 copies) 

E. J. Winter- Wood, Esq., Paignton, England. 




ARTHUR FORD MACKENZIE 

(1881) 



SOME THOUGHTS ON PROBLEM MATTERS. 



A TALK WITH THE READER. 

By Arthur F, Mackenzie. 



I. 

PREFATORY, 



THOUGH fully conscious that an apologetic 
preamble may be taken as a set form, I 
must statfe that I do not approach this 
pleasurable duty impressed with the belief 
I have to say to the reader anything at all 
worthy of a work which owes its origin 
to so extraordinary an exhibition of whole- 
souled enthusiasm, and to the preparation of which its 
generous promoter has devoted time and labor, energy and 
ability, only those who know him best could have imagined. 
But, while I may not be the bearer of any message for the 
Problem World, yet I am glad of the opportunity of making 
a few supplementary remarks to ' ' Chess : Its Poetry and Its 
Prose," and, perhaps, there are those who would like to have 
from me an expression of opinion on some of the moot ques- 
tions of problem polemics, viewed from later lights. I am 
not aware that I have much to add to, or subtract from, the 
book to which allusion has just been made. Indeed, when I 
remember that at the time when that work was produced, 
not only was I rather young both in years and in the Art, but 
that the large body of English-speaking composers were just 
passing out of the transitional period, and awakening into an 
appreciation of the doctrines taught by their Bohemian and 
German confreres, who must be regarded as the founders of 
what is now known as the Modem School, — when I remember 
this I cannot but feel that, so far as I presumed to go, I have 
little reason to regret my boldness. Of course, my views 
have undergone some changes, but these are only such as are 
in keeping with the march of time and further incursions 



XXX CHESS LTRICS 

into the more modem regions of thought. Thus, purity and 
economy have assumed in my mind a more clearly defined 
shape, and I have learned to entertain greater regard for pure 
and economical, or "model," mates; whilst I have become 
more liberal in my ideas as to the importance which should be 
attached to duals. These will be dealt with more in detail 
later on, when, in what pretends to be nothing more than an 
informal talk with the reader, I shall take occasion to refer 
to a few other matters, which I trust will prove of some 
interest to those who do me the honor of accompanying me 
through these pages. 

THE PROBLEM I DID NOT SOLVE. 

After preluding thus, let me hark back to the first days 
of my association with chess and indulge in a little auto- 
biography. 

I think I must have been about nine or ten years of age 
when my father instructed in the rudiments of the game my 
elder brother and me — my elder brother now happy in 
brighter realms, him to whose memory I dedicated the last 
problem* I thought I would ever compose, him who always 
took the keenest interest in all my chess doing, and for whose 
invaluable aid in the compilation of " Chess: Its Poetry and Its 
Prose" I now take this opportunity of recording my grateful 
acknowledgement . 

After our father thought we had been sufficiently initiated 
into the mysteries of the Noble Game, in order to stimulate 
and foster our interest, he offered a copy of Staunton's 
Handbook as a prize to the winner of a series of games. 
Never did rivals for the championship of the world enter 
upon their encounter with greater energy and determination — 
never were games rattled off with such lightning-like rapidity. 
It was an exhibition of play that would have delighted the 
heart of the late John Ruskin and other lovers of "skittles," 
albeit it would, I fancy, have as well afforded them some food 
for reflection. Now, it happened in the course of one of these 
remarkable games, after some skirmish more spirited than 
the rest, and in which more than the usual havoc was wrought 
among the forces, we numbered amid the slain the two 
Monarchs. It seems that during the melee we had succeeded 
somehow in capturing each other's King! This naturally 
*See Problem No. 115. 



CHESS LTRICS xxxi 

brought us face to face with a contingency we were not 
prepared to meet. With the board minus the Monarchs, how 
was checkmate to be effected, how a win determined? After 
comparing notes as to the rules of the game, and vainly- 
endeavouring to arrive at a satisfactory solution of the prob- 
lem, we decided to repair to our father for further elucidation. 
I do not propose to give here the details of that interview. 
It is not altogether pleasant to have even happy parental 
mirth excited at one's expense, and the meeting must be 
taken as having been held in camera. Suffice it to say that, 
wiser, but not one whit the sadder, the youthful players 
returned to the combat, and continued with unabated enthus- 
iasm to the end. 

I must not forget to add that I did not win that copy of 
Staunton's Handbook. I would like to say, too, that some 
years ago there was narrated in the chess press a somewhat 
similar incident as to the capturing of kings. That was 
evidently given as a joke, but the foregoing account as to 
myself is strictly true in every particular. 



THE FIRST PROBLEM I SOLVED. 

It was a few years after this, somewhere about the end 
of 1878 or early in 1879, before my interest in the game be- 
came really aroused. I had often turned an enquiring eye 
on the problems in the Illustrated London News and in Brief, 
a London weekly started about that time, and one day the 
thought struck me that I should try to solve one of these 
problems. I thereupon set up on the board a position from 
Brief, a two-mover by no less a personage than Mr. B. G. 
Laws, and after two or three hours hard work I succeeded in 
solving it. I cannot attempt to give expression to the effect 
that problem had upon me. It was a perfect revelation to 
me. I never dreamt that such charm was to be found in 
Chess. I was captured and held a fascinated slave of Caissa. 
And, as problem after problem was eagerly solved, and as 
each unfolded to my delighted gaze some new gem of beauty, 
more and more I realized what a rich and inexhaustible 
mine of intellectual pleasure I had discovered. 

Whilst the broad outlines of the first problem I solved 
are clear, I cannot recall the position with sufficient accuracy 
for the purpose of reproduction, and I have been unable to 



XXXll 



CHESS LYRICS 



obtain a copy. It was a two-mover of the "cross check" 
theme, a theme shown, though in an altogether different 
form, in this happy Httle conception, which, if not absolutely 
the second problem I mastered, is one of the very earliest, 
and is the only other composition I have always associated 
with my earliest bouts at solving. I think the Fates were 
propitious in the first problems they sent me. When the 
enthusiastic lover of the "Poetry of Chess" desires to make 
a proselyte of some prosaic friend, to bring light into the life 
of one of the thousands of hapless chess players who dwell, 
as it were, in chessic darkness, let him place before him a 
problem embodying strategy such as this — strategy which one 



No. I. 
By "Toz. 

BLACK 




WHITE 

White mates in two moves. 
1. Ra4. etc. 



might play hundreds of games without encountering. If 
the Caissan fires are within him at all, they will surely be 
kindled. Apparently they were within me, and they burst 
forth into a tremendous blaze — a blaze which gradually 
subsided with the first fever of novelty and youthful ardour, 
but only to settle down into a strong, steady, lasting flame. 



CHESS LTRICS xxxiii 

MY FIRST ESSAYS AT COMPOSING. 

The novitiate as a solver scarcely passed, came dreams 
of composing. It was Tennyson's grandfather who, on being 
shown some of the yoimg poet's earliest efforts, presented 
him at once with half-a-sovereign and the very encouraging 
prediction that he could depend upon it that was the first 
and last money he would ever receive for his poetry. There is 
a far cry between the two episodes, but that one always 
reminds me of the amused smile and sceptical shake of the head 
with which my father greeted my announcement that I 
intended to compose a problem. Yet, when a few days later 
I showed him my first problem, a three-mover, he was greatly 
pleased, and straightway submitted it for solution to a friend, 
who, however, seemed to have had no previous experience 
in solving, since he returned two or three days after with the 
problem and the assertion that he was prepared to stake his 
existence there was no checkmate in three-moves. I am not 
inflated with pride at the recollection of my first problem, 
but, looking back upon it now, I see it was not altogether a 
colourless production. The key-move was a check, but the 
second move was quiet and was the promotion of a Pawn to a 
Knight. It was this move which floored my father's friend, 
and, when it was shown him, his admiration of my genius 
was unbounded. In order to excuse his defeat, however, he 
laid down a very original dictum, which is certainly worth 
recording. "You know," he said, "it is far easier to compose 
a problem than to solve one! " Apropos of this, I might here 
interpolate another rather unique opinion I heard expressed 
by a clergyman, and a very scholarly man. It was to the 
effect that it ought to be easier to solve a four-move than a 
two-move problem, seeing that in the former case there were 
double the number of moves or opportunities for reaching the 
desired goal. But to return to my initial effort. I remember 
how I thought that in the promotion of a Pawn to a Knight 
I had hit upon a new theme, one which would startle the Chess 
World and immortalize my name. This delusion was, 
however, soon to be dispelled. On submitting the position 
to Brief's Chess editor, the late Mr. F. C. Collins, he, in an 
otherwise kind letter, mercilessly, as I thought then, unfolded 
to me the problem's frailties. A checking key, he said, was 
very objectionable, the claiming of a Knight was not new, as 
I imagined, and, moreover, the position had a large number 



xxxiv CHESS LYRICS 

of useless Black pieces, a most unwarrantable breach of 
economy. The aspiring composer of to-day is more fortunate 
than he of a quarter of a century ago. There was then no 
published treatise on problem construction. The young 
composer had to rely on his own instincts and such inspiration 
and guidance as he could get from the study of problems, 
solvers' comments, and the criticisms of tourney judges. As 
to Mr. Collins' complaint with regard to the purposeless 
Black force, I may say that, labouring under the mistaken 
notion that it would be a meritorious feat for White with a 
few men to crush an overwhelming Black army, I had literally 
transferred all the ebony from the box to the board, crowding" 
on every available Black piece that did not interfere with my 
design. Meanwhile, I had composed a second problem, 
another three-mover, which accompanied the first to Brief, and 
which Mr. Collins readily inserted in notation, under the 
term "Enigma," a plan adopted by him in dealing with prob- 
lems of a comparatively inferior grade of merit. This 
composition was an improvement on its predecessor. The 
Key-move, if not good, was at least quiet, and the position 
was not embellished with inert Black material — a fact for 
which I can claim no credit, since the problem was of the 
"waiting move" class, and thus there was no scope for such 
ornamental addenda. Most young composers confine their 
first attempts at problem constructing to two-movers, but, 
as has been seen, I took higher flights, and tackled three- 
movers. Was I, I wonder, influenced by some such idea as 
that which possessed my friend, the clergyman? After these 
three-movers came a couple of unpretentious two-movers 
v/hich I made public locally, for, such was my enthusiasm, or 
perhaps, impudence, I had already volunteered to start the 
first Chess column ever published in Jamaica, and which, 
save for a short interruption after the great fire in Kingston 
in 1882, I conducted until I lost my sight. Another brace of 
three-movers succeeded these two-movers, and these went to 
Brief, where I soon had the gratification of seeing them hon- 
oured with large diagrams. 

ASSOCIATIONS OF BRIEF. 

I cannot turn from thoughts of Brief without a few 
words of passing tribute to the memory of that long-dead 
paper, connected with which are associations which sur- 
round it with a halo that keeps it ever bright in my irind. It 



CHESS LYRICS xxxv 

was in Brief I solved my first problem, in Brief my first 
problem was published, and in Brief I won my first prize, that 
in a solving tourney. It was Brief's courteous Chess Editor 
with whom I first corresponded, and it was he who intro- 
duced me into the Chess World. It was through Brief that 
I became acquainted with Miss F. F. Beechey (now Mrs. T. B. 
Rowland), and Messrs. John Keeble and B. G. Laws, the first 
of the many with whom I have, through the medium of the 
mails, enjoyed delightful intercourse during all these years. 
As is well known these three names are still conspicuous ones 
in the Problem World. No woman has worked so long and 
well in the cause of Cal'ssa as has Mrs. Rowland, and around 
that lady is centred much sympathetic interest. Like, I 
suppose, most of Brief's readers, I had no thought but that 
"F, F. Beechey," the clever composer and solver, belonged 
to the sterner sex, and I was not a little surprised when in 
her first letter to me she unveiled herself, at the same time 
telling me, with evident amusement, how even Mr. Collins 
himself, until undeceived had been in the habit of addressing 
her as "Dear Sir!" Mr. John Keeble, whose name is a 
synonym for all that is kind and genial, has been identified 
rather with self-mates, and, after the death of his friend and 
mentor, the late Mr. J. A. Miles, came to be recognized as 
England's self-mate specialist. During the past three or 
four years Mr. Keeble has been giving to the production in the 
Norwich Mercury of a Chess column of rare interest and 
usefulness the rich store of knowledge on all matters con- 
nected with the game of which those who know him well 
are aware he is the happy possessor. Mr. B. G. Laws, whose 
entry into the Problem World pre-dates mine by a year or so, 
has since risen to the proud position of being not only Eng- 
land's, but also one of the world's greatest problem authori- 
ties. 

MY EARLY MODELS. 

At the dawn of my Chess life Mr. J. Paul Taylor was 
England's most successful exponent of bi-move strategy, and 
the same may be said of Mr. J. H. Finlinson as an all-round 
composer who was particularly happy in the construction of 
three-movers. With what admiration, and, perhaps I should 
say, envy, I regarded the two-movers of J. Paul Taylor and 
the three-movers of J. H. Finlinson, and what determinations 
I formed that I would compose problems like these or perish 



XXXVl 



CHESS LYRICS 



No. II. 
By J. Paul Taylor. 

BLACK 




WHITE 

White mates in two moves. 
1. Qgl, etc. 

No. III. 
By J. Paul Taylor. 




WHITE 

White miates in two moves. 
1. Qa6, etc. 



CHESS LTRICS xxxvii 

in the attempt! To me J. Paul Taylor and J. H. Finlinson 
were names to conjure with, heroes to be worshipped from 
afar. Needless to say, the works of these composers shaped 
and directed the current of my early thoughts, and their 
influence has been felt throughout my career. 

Taylor's two-movers were brilliant and vigorous exam- 
ples of the complex type of problem still fashionable among 
English-speaking composers. With hardly an exception 
there was a free Black King, and duals were conspicuous by 
their absence. So clearly did these traits mirror themselves 
in my mind that in those days I would never dream of con- 
structing a two-mover unless his Sable Majesty had at least 
one square of retreat, and, indeed, it may be said that I had 
something bordering on contempt for all two-movers with a 
fixed Black King. As for duals, I would much rather let a 
two-mover pass into oblivion than send it forth to the world 
with such a horrifying disfigurement. Of course, time and 
experience duly showed that all this was very absurd, that 
after all, oft times a fixed Black King was a necessary means 
to an admirable end, and that it was just possible for one to 
view with equanimity the presence of a dual even in a two- 
mover. 

The feature of Finlinson's three-movers was a predomi- 
nant mainplay, often such a combination as could stand alone 
as a two-mover, and, though not marked by model mates, 
they were as artistically finished as the canons of the time 
demanded. Even in my later three-movers, when I came to 
feel, as Finlinson did not, the force of model mates and the 
desirability of raising the standard of the subsidiary variations 
there is, as will be seen, in almost every instance at least one 
quiet line of play introducing a pronounced central theme. 

My early fancy was rather taken, too, by some of the three- 
movers by Mr. F. C. Collins, who, though he never rose to 
any great eminence as a composer, did some clever and in- 
genious work. Collins delighted in a combination something 
like this: In the Key-move the White Queen immolated her- 
self on the altar of duty in order to draw a Black piece from 
some coign of vantage thereby allowing a quiet second move 
and mainplay combination, a la Finlinson. It was just such a 
scheme as would be sure to awaken chords of sympathy in the 
mind of the young student. Position No. VI is a good 
illustration, and it might almost be said that, in solving it, 
most of Collins' best three-movers are solved, for this com- 



XXXVlll 



CHESS LYRICS 



No. IV. 
By J. H. Finlinson. 



P P 



mLii X 






WHITE 

White mates in three moves. 
1. Qa7; if 1. Kd4, 2. Re2, etc., etc. 

No. V. 
By J. H. Finhnson. 

BLACK 




WHITE 

White mates in three moves. 
1. Kt f7; if 1. R takes Kt, 2. Qf4, etc., etc. 



CHESS LYRICS 



XXXIX 



poser's weakness was perhaps, that he struck too often his 
favourite notes. 

When in my dreams I am taken, as I so often am, back 
into the days when I first became associated with the game, 
these old favourites are always present, and it is a pleasure 
to transfer here from memory's portfolio specimens of these 
dried blooms of the past. 

No. VI. 
By F. C. Collins. 




WHITE 

White mates in three moves. 
1. Qh5; if 1. R takes Q, 2. Kt c2, etc., etc. 



LATER FAVOURITES. 

From the problems which appealed to me with greatest 
force in, perhaps, the most impressionable period of my 
Chess life, I pass to a few favourites of maturer years. The 
presentation of these here must not, however, be taken as an 
expression of opinion as to the world's best problem of their 
lengths. So many problems have charmed me from time to 
time, problems, perhaps, altogether different in style, yet each 
a masterpiece in its own way, that it would be well nigh an 
impossible task for me to draw that nice line of distinction. 
Particularly would this be the case with regard to two-movers, 
of which the annual output is larger than of any other length 
of problem. The following must, then, be regarded rather 
as bold examples of the type I most admire, with the 



xl 



CHESS LYRICS 



No. VII. 
By T. Taverner. 

BLACK 




WHITE 

White mates in two moves. 
1. Qcl, etc. 



No. VIII. 
By P. F. Blake. 




WHITE 

White mates in two moves. 
1. Rc5, etc. 



CHESS LYRICS 



xli 



understanding that they might readily be replaced with 
another brace. 

The task is somewhat easier in the case of three-movers, 
for I find that these positions turn up most frequently in the 
shuffle. No. IX possesses what struck me as one of the finest 
key-moves I had ever seen in a three-mover, while the two 
quiet echo continuations after the Queen is captured by 
either Rook form a delightful combination. No. X is remark- 
able, not for an especially striking opening coup or quiet 
strategy, but rather for an array of exceptionally rich and 

No. IX. 
By the late Fritz af Geyerstam. 

BLACK 




1. 



WHITE 

White mates in three moves. 
Qh8; if 1. R (g8) takes Q, 2 KKt takes P, etc.; if 1. R 
(h7) takes Q, 2.Kt d7, etc., etc. 



rare checking afterplay. This problem is, in my opinion, the 
greatest effort of a composer who, in the zenith of his career, 
was unrivalled in the construction of three-movers. 

Of four-movers none has left me so enspelled, and with 
such a sense of admiration of the composer's skill as the First 
Prize Avinner in a German tourney some years ago. The 
White pieces comprised only the King, the Queen and the two 
Bishops, but, although I have, of course, seen and admired 
many more complicated and profound combinations, the 
blending of three exquisite mating positions, accomplished 
as it was with such remarkable economy of material, seemed 



xlii 



CHESS LYRICS 



No. X. 
By J. Pospisil. 

BLACK 




WHITE 

White mates in three moves. 
1. Kt a4; if Qh3, 2. Qd6 ch., etc.; if 1. Bd4, 2. Qco ch. etc.; 
if 1. Pco, 2. Kt c3 ch, etc., etc. 



No. XI. 
By J. Dobrusky. 

BLACK 




WHITE 

White mates in four moves. 

1. Bb6, Kt c2; 2. Qb5+, Kd6; 3. Bc5+, K any; 4. Be7mate. 

1, . . . Kt a6; 2, Qd3+, Ke5; 3. Bd4+, Kany; 4. Bf6 mate. 

etc., etc. 



CHESS LTRICS xliii 

to me nearing the infinite of genius. It should be stated 
that the problem I refer to was found faulty immediately 
after the award was made public. The author, however, 
at once published an amended version which lost nothing 
from the beauty of the original. This position must per- 
force be omitted, as my attempts to recall it in all its details 
and Mr. White's searches for it have been equally fruitless. 

Another perfect inspiration is No. XI, perhaps the best 
effort of one of the greatest four-move composers. As in the 
problem just referred to, the main features are those which to 
me seem characteristic of the most beautiful four-movers, 
namely the wonderful economy of force and the perfect 
harmony in which every branch of the intricate solution 
stands related to the rest. 

PETS OF MY OWN. 

Some years ago, for the purposes of a series of articles, 
which, under the caption, "Problemists and their Pet Pro- 
ductions," I was publishing in the "Jamaica Gleaner," I 
sought from the late Mr. J. A. Miles, among other composers, 
the three of his problems of different lengths which he con- 
sidered his pet compositions. " Pets ! Why, they are all pets" 
was the emphatic retort. Now, in facing the suggestion that 
something might be said here as to those of my own problems 
which I hold in most regard, I certainly cannot say that I 
find myself bound by ties so very comprehensive, for, truth, 
to tell, there are a large number of my compositions upon 
which I now place but little store. Yet those that are 
dear to me are dear indeed, and the effort to discriminate 
between them has placed me in a labyrinth of perplexity 
out of which I find it very difficult to thread my way. In 
spite of the warm-hearted outburst of that good old gentle- 
man, however, Mr. Miles did succeed in boiling his feelings down 
to the point of selecting three pets from those "all pets," and 
I think I have managed to dissect my affections to the re- 
quired degree. But the process has been, not only a difficult 
but a somewhat painful one, and my heart sympathetically 
beats towards those fond children of my brain which have 
been left out in the cold. 

No. XII, then, is the chosen two-mover, which 1 reproduce 
here from "Chess: Its Poetry and Its Prose." It won the first 
prize in a tournament held by the Mirror of American Sports 
so long ago as 1886, and is, therefore, one of m}^ earlier efforts. 



xliv 



CHESS LYRICS 



No. XII. 
By A. F. M. 



1 



m mM 



^ W////////. 



■mi£"'''\m 



WM 



■cy//////,. 





■ 



. Wl i 



M.. 



M 



iB 



mm. 



'/^//////m 



^^^^^^ 



yy/y/////. 



White mates in two moves. 
1. Kt b7, etc. 



CHESS LTRICS xlv 

There is, I think, in this problem that which showed the way, 
not only to me, but, I fancy, to one or two of my fellow- 
composers,to many other two-movers. Of course, there is much 
in the composition which is disappointing. None can feel this 
morethan I, but I am convinced that, paradoxicalasitmayseem,, 
to remove its weaknesses would be to take from the problem 
much of its strength. At the time of its first appearance Mr. 
Miles flattered my vanity by telling me that he thought it was 
the finest two mover extant, and I was not a little surprised 
when, after all these years, a similar opinion should have 
been expressed to me only recently by Mr. P. H. Williams ^ 
author of "The Modern Chess Problem." I thought the 
problem had long since been forgotten. 

The three-mover I find most closely entwined around 
my heart is No. 220 in the present volume. Yet at first I had 
no warm attachment for it. I was disappointed and annoyed 
with it that it refused to respond to my strenuous applications 
for better results after 1 . . . K takes P and 1 . . . P 
takes Kt. Then, I was sorry that, in order to prevent solutions 
in two moves by 1. Qh3 and 1. Bg4 it compelled me to add 
the White Pawn on e6, for I must confess to what are, perhaps,, 
one or two little crotchets, and one of these is the dislike to 
the presence in the Black King's field of an inactive White 
Pawn, which always seems to me to have the same effect on an 
artistic mating position as a dead tree standing amid the rich 
and luxuriant foliage of a beautiful landscape. It was Mr. 
Godfrey Heathcote who first taught me the better to under- 
stand this problem. Then, when it gained for me the most 
important honour I consider I have obtained, and won such 
high encomiums, not only from the judges in the tournament, 
but from critics in general, its failings were all forgiven, and 
it gradually won its way deeply into my heart. The ties 
which bind it to me may have been of slow growth, but, per- 
haps, for that reason they are the firmer. It may be added 
that the variation 1 . . . Pg5 followed by 2. Bg4, which has 
been so much spoken of, was a flash of inspiration that came 
early in the course of construction. The primal conception 
was the blending of the threat (2. Qh3) with the line of play 
after 1. . . . Pc3. 

My favorite four-mover is the frontispiece of this work, 
the reason for the occupation of which place of honour are, 
I understand, given by Mr. White elsewhere. Like the two- 
mover, this was a first-prize winner and one of my earlier pro- 



xlvi CHESS LYRICS 

ductions. There is a spontaneity and naturalness about this 
problem absent from any other of my four-movers, and, while 
there is no strictly model mate, the chief mating positions 
are economical and picturesque, and as pure as by their very 
nature they could possibly be. I have never found in the 
composition of four-movers that incentive which induced me 
to devote to them the time and labour required in the con- 
struction of a good problem of the kind. Tournaments for 
these positions are seldom organized, and they meet with 
little appreciation at the hands of Chess editors and the 
problem-solving public. Nevertheless, it is a sort of satisfac- 
tion to feel that every four-mover I have entered in a tourney 
has been honoured. 

MY SANS VOIR WORK. 

After fading slowly for some months, the light went al- 
together out of my eyes in February, 1896, and then began 
what may be termed the second stage of my career as a 
problemist, my work as a sans voir composer. For some 
years before the loss of sight, Chess had been the one great 
diversion which a riven health had left me; and even in face 
of such a calamity as blindness, where so many far-reaching 
considerations were involved, I could not shut out of my 
mind the contemplation that my chess pursuits were seeming- 
ly ended. And as time wore on, and the dreariness of my 
position became more and more manifest, a yearning for a 
return of the lost pleasures often possessed me. But, as 
contentedly as might be, these longings were dismissed as a 
thing that was not to be — as a thing that was buried in the 
grave which had closed over all my earthly hopes. I had no 
thought then of the happy resurrection that was so soon to 
come. At the end of the same year, however, when my 
father was reading to me the Chess in a New Orleans Times- 
Democrat, in which there was a two-mover by Dr. Gold, I was 
suddenly thrilled with a hitherto unthought of hope. What 
if I could solve that problem by having it called out to me 
from the notation and then mentally picturing it ? I asked 
my father to give it me, and after some difficulty, and many 
a request for the repetition of the place of this or that piece, 
succeeded in getting a fairly clear picture of the position and 
solving it. It can easily be imagined how delighted I was, 
it can easily be imagined that for some time my readers were 
kept busy in giving me problems. The possibility of com- 



CHESS LYRICS xlvii 

posing sans voir did not at first occur to me. It was enough 
that the pleasure of studying the works of others was not to 
be denied me, and for some weeks I revelled in my new-found 
joy. When, however, practice enabled me quite easily to 
get a clear picture on the mental camera, and I found that 
when this was once done there was no more difficulty in 
solving in this manner than from the diagram, it was only 
natural that I should not rest satisfied with this alone, but 
should take the higher flight of composing. My efforts in 
this direction have been entirely mental, unaided by board 
and men of any description, and the world has seen what 
patience and perseverance have accomplished. And I, in 
dreamily weaving out these chessic webs, shaping nebulous 
fancies into structures of chessic truths, how happy I have 
made many and many an hour that would otherwise have 
been weary indeed. But even here the Fates have not been 
as kind as they might; for, strangely enough, with anything 
approaching exertion in this mental work, I suffer much in 
both eyes and head. This may be due to the nature of my 
eye trouble, and, perhaps, another working as I do might 
not be similarly affected. Despite this drawback, however, 
and fully realizing that the sans voir composer has difficulties 
to contend with which do not present themselves to one who 
works with his sight, the conclusion has long since been forced 
upon me that problem construction is essentially a work of 
the mind, and that the board and men are to a great extent 
a hindrance, — that, in short, sans voir is at once the more 
fascinating and satisfactory method of composing. Certainly 
taken collectively, my best problems* have been composed, 
and my most important honours won since my loss of sight. 
Might not this use of board and men be, after all, another 
instance of matter hampering and confining the legitimate 
action of the mind ? My presumption does not carry me so 
far as the promulgating of a new theory, or the propounding 
of a new psychological problem, but does it seem altogether 
beyond the pale of possibility that if during the process of 
construction the mental faculties were relieved of what may 
be termed the more physical duties of watching, directing 
and controlling the moves of the men, and subject to none 
of the distractions natural to the wandering eye, they would 
find more concentrative force and greater scope for action 
in more congenial directions? Thus, the imagination might 

♦All problems in this volume bearing date after 1896 (No. 116) may be 
taken as sans voir productions. 



xlviii CHESS LTRICS 

become more keenly alert, fancy take wing more freely, and 
the position at which one is working the more readily yield 
its latent possibilities. Then, by reason of the ease and 
rapidity with which changes of position may be effected 
(and it is all done with the quickness of thought), see with 
what facility the practical application of those possibilities 
may be examined and accepted or rejected. And, of course, 
those found unsuitable or undesirable blends for the original 
setting might, independently or in combination, become the 
nuclei of new problems. Again, moved by an inspiration, 
the sans voir composer has not to wait until an opportunity 
is afforded of seeking board and men, but at any time and 
anywhere can flash a position on the mental camera, and 
start dreaming away delightfully. Truly the sans voir com- 
poser can in many ways sympathize with his hapless confrere 
whom circumstances have condemned to sit poring over board 
and men, with them the limit of his mental vision, the field 
of his mental action! 

I have often asked myself whether if my sight were 
restored I would return to the use of the board and men, or 
continue composing as at present. The answer has always 
been that the latter would be the case. But, alas! this is not 
destined to go beyond the stage of an academic consideration, 
for the organs which make applicable to its earthly environ- 
ment the sense of sight have forever ceased to perform their 
functions, and the light is not to come into my eyes again 

"Until the day break and the shadows flee away." 

II. 

THE TERM MODEL MATE. 

Passing now from matters in which I fear the Ego has 
played too prominent a part to matters more intimately 
connected with the theory and practice of problem construction 
let me in the first place say a few words as to the recently- 
invented term "model mate," to which mates reference has 
on more than one occasion been made in these pages, and 
concerning which I am about to speak more pertinently 
directly. 

The desirability of having a single word that would aptly 
and adequately express and replace the cumbersome "pure 
and economical" first occurred to the active and progressive 
mind of Mr. Max J. Meyer, who invited suggestions from the 



CHESS LYRICS xlix 

readers of the admirable Chess page he was then conducting 
in Brighton and Hove Society. Among the words submitted 
was that of "model" which came from Mr. H. D'O. Bernard, 
a young and promising London composer. Mr. Meyer at once 
pronounced this the best word he had received, and advocated 
its general adoption. To my mind no better word could 
be found, and I am not surprised that, after the little hesitation 
natural to the reception of new departures, it is steadily 
growing in use among English-speaking composers. It was 
suggested as an objection that the word "model" would more 
appropriately describe a mirror than a pure and economical 
mate. I do not see that this is so. There is no particular 
merit about the mirror, per se, which would warrant any such 
distinction. The fact that no square in the mated King's 
field is occupied by a man White or Black is a finish rather 
the result of accident or chance, though, of course, the clever 
composer would seek to encourage its possible and natural 
presence. To give to the mirror mate any designation that 
would create in the mind of the young composer the impres- 
sion that these mates are the goal for the attainment of which 
he should always be striving would only be to place him on 
an altogether wrong track, and one which would lead him to 
a field of research as narrow as it would be unproductive of 
satisfactory results. On the other hand, he should be 
taught clearly to understand that the pure and economical 
mate is the model for his guidance, for even in the complex 
type of two-movers, where a license is allowed by composers 
of the English tongue, he should be made to feel that the 
mating positions should be as pure and economical as possible. 
But it has suggested itself to me that there is room for 
the use of the word model in conjunction with the mirror 
mate. It is said that in the mind of the coiner of the term 
" mirror mate " purity and economy was an essential feature of 
the "mirror," and personally I have always felt and understood 
this. Custom has, however, extended the use of the term 
to include all mates in which no square in the King's field 
is occupied by a piece, whether such mates be pure or impure 
economical or uneconomical. Now, if the decree of usage 
be accepted, and it is one that cannot be lightly thrust aside, 
the word "model" may be employed to describe the particu- 
lar class of mirror mate. Thus, that from which the feature 
of purity and economy is absent might bear the simple 
title "mirror mate," while that in which it is present 
might be called a "model mirror mate." 



1 CHESS LYRICS 

THE MODEL MATE IN THE MODERN PROBLEM. 

I take it those I am addressing are acquainted with the 
various problem terms, but there might be a few interested 
readers whom a little further elucidation as to the char- 
acteristics of the model mate might help to a better under- 
standing of the remarks I am about to make regarding the 
place this mate occupies in the modem problem. A model 
mate, then, is made up of two factors: (A) it must be pure, 
and (B) it must be economical. A pure mate is one in which 
every square in the mated King's field is either blocked or 
once guarded only, except in the case of a pin where the 
pinned piece could capture the mating piece or interpose to 
prevent mate, in which case the square on which the pinned 
piece stands is held to be blocked only, provided it is com- 
manded by no other than the pinning piece. An economical 
mate is one in which all the White pieces on the board 
(King and Pawns excepted) take part in the mate, either as 
the mating, guarding, or pinning pieces above described. A 
double checkmate which complies with the above require- 
ments is held to be pure and economical even though the 
square upon which the mating King stands is doubly attacked, 
provided that the presence of a Black piece which could 
interpose or capture makes necessary the double check. 

It is the fundamental principle of the modern school 
that a problem should have at least one model mate. In the 
first place, the presence of such a mate may be taken as a 
pretty fair indication that the important features of economy 
of material and unity of idea have been carefully observed. 
This is, however, rather the theoretical aspect of the merit 
of the model mate, and apart from any such consideration, 
though, perhaps, born of it, the model mate has a most 
charming effect on the cultivated taste. If the presence in 
a problem of one such mate is desirable, it follows, ccsteris 
paribus^ that the more there are the better. But there is 
another and still more important feature in problem con- 
struction, namely, strategy, and an array of model mates in 
which the element of strategy is not forcibly present does not 
represent problematic worth of the highest order. It is an 
unmistakable testimony in favour of strategy as against the 
artistic finish of model mates, that while the young solver 
will always be struck with the former, the latter makes no 
appreciable impression upon him. He may perhaps, so 
far as the purity is concerned, take a passing mental note 



CHESS LTRICS li 

of the frail fabric with which the fated King is held, but the 
fact that all the White pieces on the board co-operate in the 
mate does not affect him in the slightest degree. 

It has been argued that good strategy and model mating 
positions are incompatible, that is to say, that strategy has 
to be sacrificed in order to meet the modern requirement of 
artistic endings. Now, this claim is certainly true with regard 
to two-movers, but it is absolutely groundless in the case 
of longer problems; for, say in three-movers, the best strategy 
can be presented to eminent advantage in combination with 
model mates. This contention as to strategy and model 
mates being hostile properties has been usually advanced 
only by English critics of orthodox notions, critics who have 
not yet shaken themselves quite free from transitional 
traditions; but, rather surprisingly, a somewhat similar 
sentiment was son^ie months ago wafted across the Atlantic 
from Bohemia, the very home of those past-masters in the 
technique of model mates. Dr. Palkoska, one of the bright 
stars of that galaxy of great composers, contributed to the 
Canadian journal Checkmate an article dealing with problems 
by English-American composers and those by his compa- 
triots, in which a comparison was drawn decidedly in favor 
of the former. Apparently, Dr. Palkoska's view was, that 
while the Anglo-American problem was superior in idea or 
strategy, the Bohemian excelled in point of artistic finish, 
which was tantamount to giving credit to the former com- 
posers for the possession of more native genius, and to the 
latter for that of more technical skill. It was then, the 
"surprising, witty point," the "good, original, chessy idea," 
that something, which leaves "a pleasing impression on the 
soul of man," or, in other words, the prevaiHng element of 
strategy, which moved Dr. Palkoska; and if he had confined 
his remarks to two-movers, I for one would have gladly 
welcomed them as symptomatic of a more healthy mind on 
the part of at least one Bohemian composer towards the 
views on the question of bi-move construction held by English 
and American composers. When, however, he included 
longer problems, and expressed the opinion that prominence 
of model mates in these Bohemian compositions imparts to 
them the semblance of something "manufactured," something 
"very similar to a well-oiled machine," not only did he cen- 
sure, as he rightly intended to, those exponents of the princi- 
ples of the miodern school whose fondness for certain features 



lii CHESS LYRICS 

induces them to develop those features not wisely but too well, 
but inferentially he also condemned the principles of the 
school themselves — a condemnation not warranted by the 
facts, for there can be no doubt that strategy of the highest 
order can be presented with telling effect in combination 
with a rich display of model mating positions. What better 
example could be had than that Bohemian masterpiece No. 
X in these pages ? And, as modest specimens nearest at hand, 
I may be allowed to point to Nos. 220, 134, 179, 186 and 187 in 
the body of this volume. 

But, while my faith is firm in this matter, my sympathies 
are wide enough to enable me to recognize that there may 
be even some three or four-move themes incapable of presenta- 
tion with artistic mates, but which are well worthy of illus- 
tration and preservation in problematic form. Of such, for 
instance, are some of the phenomenal flashes of genius emit- 
ted from the brain of Loyd. Neither would I altogether deny 
the right to artistic recognition of such a problem as No. 189, 
in this work, which has several economical, one pure, but no 
model mate ; nor be wanting in appreciation of such a position 
as No. 47, which has an exceptional number of pure, but no 
economical, mates. But such weird designs as those of the 
Loydesque pattern to which I have alluded are few in number, 
and it will be found that almost every three or four-move 
scheme can be treated with perfect regard to modern require- 
ments. Some of the older problems in this book (whose presence 
here does not gladden me much) belong to this class. A typical 
example is No. 35, whose ideas are artistically presented in 
the later problems Nos. 94 and 185. This should prove a 
useful lesson to the aspiring composer, who should take no 
thought of exceptions, but always remember that unless he 
works according to modern methods his compositions will not 
be deemed productions of art, and in a tourney with judges 
of advanced ideas would stand no chance of achieving success. 

THE FACTOR OF PURITY. 

Occasionally one is confronted with doctrines which 
seem to him strange indeed, and while respecting the aphor- 
ism "many men, many minds," he is compelled to feel the 
force of the maxim and feel it in a most emphatic manner. I 
am thinking now of a rather curious question raised some 
years ago as to whether purity and economy could be properly 
separated, and of what, if of any, value is the former when 



CHESS LYRICS \m 

unbolstered by the latter. My attention was first attracted 
to this in the remarks of the judges, Dr. C. Planck and Mr. 
B. G. Laws, on Problem No. 130, in which they spoke in 
unappreciative terms of its pure but uneconomical mates, 
and wrote : ' ' Maximow has said, and rightly, that pure mates 
in which economy is absent are not only illogical, but are of no 
more value than impure mates." It must be confessed that 
I was not a little surprised to find Herr Maximow here laying 
down and Dr. Planck and Mr. Laws giving the great weight 
of their support to the dictum that, given two uneconomical 
mates, the one that is pure is of no more value than that 
which is impure. Indeed the lending of Dr. Planck's and Mr. 
Laws' countenance would seem explicable only on the hy- 
pothesis that they took Herr Maximow to mean that a pure 
but uneconomical mate was of no more value than an im- 
pure but economical one, which at least would be under- 
standable, even though it be a matter of opinion or taste, and 
would greatly depend on the degree of impurity of the eco- 
nomical mate. But, bared of any such qualification, the 
Russian's dictum certainly would appear to be a most extra- 
ordinary one. Just think, a mate with all the elegance of a 
single guard to be of no more value than one in which the 
doomed King is rudely bound with all the brate force of 
multi-guarded squares, because, forsooth, both happen to be 
uneconomical! I must frankly admit that my taste is bad 
enough to make me have a most decided preference for the 
former. It is bad enough for me to see a charm and merit in a 
pure mate entirely its own, and it is some satisfaction to 
reflect that at one time at all events Dr. Planck and Mr. 
Laws felt somewhat as I do; for in that very valuable volume, 
"The Chess Problem Text-Book," of which these authorities are 
two of the joint authors, we find the especial claims of a pure 
mate thus admirably set forth: "It is impossible to describe 
the artistic effect produced by the repetition of several 
distinctly different pure mates. Even novices who are unini- 
tiated into their mysteries have an admiration for clean 
mates, which they often cannot analyse and trace to its proper 
source. This feeling is really due to a brief sensation of 
wonder that the position should be a mate at all, which forces 
itself on the solver * * * This is one of the reasons in 
favour of pure mates, for should there be two or three hin- 
drances to the escape of the King in a certain direction, the 
mind will more easily appreciate the fact than if there were 



liv CHESS LYRICS 

but one. The greatest point in their favour, however, 
exists in the fact that they are a partial measure of ' economy ' 
at the finish of a problem; in fact, purity of mating position 
may almost be considered as a special branch of 'economy. ' " 
Finally, let me ask would such a problem as No. 47 be of 
the same worth if the many pure but non-economical mates 
were also impure? Would Mr. Laws have awarded it the 
premier place in the tournam.ent? To attempt an answer 
would be absurd. Of course, there can be no question as to 
the artistic, and even hypothetical, completeness of a mate 
which is both pure and economical, but Herr Maximow's 
claim that the one cannot be logically separated from the 
other, that the former is absolutely valueless unless in com- 
bination with the latter, would seem like something verging 
on the vapourings of a visionary theorist, an effort to fetter 
Art with the bonds of theory exact to a most excruciating 
degree. 

THE COMPLEX TWO-MOVER. 

In speaking of the place of the model mate in the modern 
problem, an exception was made of two-movers. There the 
conditions as to artistic endings are not the same as in longer 
problems. In the two-mover the action is short and quick, 
and the blow must be struck sharply and decisively. The- 
problem must rest its strength almost entirely upon its 
strategy, upon a variety of themes, witty and humorous 
situations, piquant and surprising entanglements, quaint and 
fantastic tactics, all harmoniously and beautifully blended 
and woven together in bewildering, kaleidoscopic brilliance and 
complexity, — upon, in fact, such strategical effects as cannot 
be properly presented in conjunction with model mates. 
This fact is recognized and the position accepted by the best 
English-speaking authorities. The Continental* problemists, 
however, with a few exceptions, notably among the Scandi- 
navians, maintain that the principle of artistic endings should 
obtain in these as in longer problems, and persist in making 
model mates the dominant characteristic even of their two- 
movers, with the result that these composers, who excel in the 
construction of three- and four-movers, produce two-movers 
of a very inferior grade. The calm well-balanced, broad and 
liberal mind of the Anglo-Saxon is well manifested here. 

*I am writing throughout from the standpoint of an English composer. 



CHESS LYRICS Iv 

Yielding to none of their confreres in their love of the artistic, 
they are wise and generous enough to see that circumstances 
demand in the case of the two-mover that the artistic princi- 
ples must be viewed from a point of view different from that 
of lofiger problems, but from which there is unfolded a vista 
of charms none the less eminently worthy of unstinted ad- 
miration. Surely none but a cranium hopelessly clogged 
with crotchets or warped by narrow prejudices could 
condemn as artistically worthless, ban as things not wanted 
by the Problem World, such remarkable expositions of 
sterling Chess, as Nos. VII and VIII in these pages, or, 
piling on the agony of the ridiculous, Nos. XIII and XIV. 
Yet this is what is said in so many words by those who 
preach the doctrine of purity and economy in two-movers. 
But this mischievous teaching does not only convey that 
absurd signification. Its rigid observance would be the 
surest way to the complete extinction of the two-mover. 
This is no abstract speculation. The field of bi-move schemes 
which can be illustrated with model mates and few pieces 
(and the two things are to a great extent inseparable) is a 
very limited one, and has been so well explored that even 
now the composer who works on these lines is often unpleas- 
antly awakened to the discovery that he has only been 
travelling over beaten tracks. As time goes on narrower 
and narrower will become the area of research, until the com- 
poser will find the conditions of obtaining anything like 
reasonable originality so hard that he will be compelled 
entirely to abandon the construction of two-movers. The 
only hope, indeed, of prolonging the life of the two-mover is 
in that wide, comprehensive complexity wherein purity and 
economy must be made a secondary consideration. In fact, 
even with regard to the complex two-movers, more than 
twenty years ago one very eminent authority of his day 
declared that there was no longer any scope for originality 
in them, that what was new in them was not good and what 
was good was not new, — that, in short, the days of the bi- 
mover were numbered. Time has woefully falsified that 
prophecy. Since the days when the knell of the two-mover 
was thus rung there have arisen a Blake, a Heathcote, a 
Tavemer, and it can be confidently stated the world has seen 
its richest and rarest bi-move gems. Not only is the com- 
plex two-mover alive to-day, but it is in a most healthy 
condition, and I predict for it yet a long and useful career. 



Ivi 



CHESS LYRICS 



No. XIII. 
By Godfrey Heathcote.* 




WHITE 

White mates in two moves. 
1. Ke6, etc. 



No. XIV. 
By P. F. Blake. 

BLACK 




WHITE 

White mates in two moves. 
1. Kt h5, etc. 

*This was the first two-mover composed in which the keymove allowed the 
defence to administer a double-check, the key not being a capture and the 
White King not being previously exposed to a check. 



CHESS LYRICS Ivii 

THE OTHER SIDE. 

Although in comparing the complex with the pure and 
economical two-mover I may have been somewhat emphatic 
in giving expression to the faith that is in me, it must not be 
understood that I am indifferent to the particular charm of 
the latter. The model mates which form its feature always 
delight me, but, in the absence of strategy, there is nothing 
to stir the pulse, nothing that lingers in the memory, nothing 
that leaves a "pleasing impression on the soul of man." 
Manipulating the pieces in this way and in that in order to 
allow Black to play so that he can help White to obtain a 
certain number of model mates may be a very interesting, 
"manufacturing" process, and it may bring forth some good 
things "very similar to well-oiled machines," but it certainly 
does not present a very rich and exhaustive field for the 
exploitation of the inventive faculties. 

I quote two high prize-winners from recent Conti- 
nental tourneys, each having four model mates, which is the 
maximum number reasonably obtainable. I do not think 
there are in existence half-a-dozen with five such mates, two 
of the best I have seen being by Herr J. Pospisil and Mr. 
J. Keeble respectively. Anything with more than five is a 
curiosity, and in this connection I must not forget to give 
Mr. J. Keeble credit for being the first to compose one with 
six model mates. No. XV is one of the brightest of the 
multi-model mate two-movers I have seen. The key is a 
spirited one, and creates a good impression to start with. 
By playing 1 . . . B takes Kt, Black helps White to obtain 
a model mate in the threat, 2. Qbl. If Black 1 . . . Q 
takes Q, another is permitted by 2. Kt takes P. When 
1 . . . B takes B a third is possible by 2. Pe6; whilst, 1 . . . R 
takes Kt allows the fourth, 2. Ktg7. All these are very pretty 
and pleasing certainly, but they are brought about in a 
straightforward and plain-sailing manner, without any 
subtle entanglement and complexity whatever. There are 
duals if Black does not play strongly, but these must be 
accepted as an inherent weakness of the class. No. XVI has 
a keymove of the poorest description. As will be seen, the R 
proceeds to completely paralyze the action of a Kt, which, 
were it free, could ruthlessly frustrate every possible attempt 
at a solution. Such a keymove ought to have so depressing 
an effect upon the solver as to place him in a state of mind 
utterly unfitted to enjoy the happy model mates which follow 



Iviii 



CHESS LTRICS 



No. XV. 

By Z. Mach. 

BLACK 




WHITE 

White mates in two moves. 
1. Qhl, etc. 



No. XVI. 
By M. Feigl. 

BLACK 




WHITE 

White mates in two moves. 
1. Rh4, etc. 



CHESS LTRICS lix 

Black 1 . . . B takes Kt, 1. . . . B takes P, 1 . . . Ktd3, 
and 1 . . . . Pe2; and in those responsible for giving the 
problem its honour how great must have been the sense of 
the artistic in the one direction, how poor indeed in the 
other. It is only fair to add that this problem is brought 
forward here, not because through openings of this character 
the solver is usually shown the way to the charms of this 
type of problem, but rather because it admirably illus- 
trates to what end even a great composer may have to resort 
in order to produce a large number of model mates. 

THE SUGGESTED "VIA MEDIA." 

Now, it is a fact which bears strongly in favour of the 
complex two-mover with no model mates at all, that the less 
such mates there are the better is the problem in point of 
strategy, until when a single model mate is reached really cap- 
ital results are sometimes obtained. This fact has moved some 
English-speaking authorities towards meeting their Continen- 
tal confreres half way, and accepting such positions as, 
perhaps, the best in uniting the artistic with the strategic 
in the two-mover. But those who have inclined thus have 
been only tempted, they have not gone astray. Like the 
historic Tower of Pisa, they have leaned, but the}^ have not 
fallen. It is with them more a theoretical desirability, a 
wish that it could be so, rather than the dogmatic claim that 
it is so; and, when in their places as tourney adjudicators they 
are called upon to discriminate between bi-movers of the 
different styles, they never fail to mete out a full measure of 
justice to the complex problem of the most pronounced type. 
But this tendency on the part of the more prominent proble- 
mists has had a rather baneful influence upon the lesser lights, 
and often one reads criticisms such as these: "Nine varia- 
tions, but not one pure mate," "A fine problem, but no pure 
mates," "A masterpiece. Pity it lacks the finish of a model 
mate," "Would be a splendid problem if it only had a pure 
mate," "Very good indeed, but a prize two-mover should have 
at least one pure and economical mate." One can under- 
stand bestowing praise for the presence of something excep- 
tional, but to blame a problem for the absence of that some- 
thing, to expect to find in it that which it can hardly be 
expected to possess, is very amusing. As has been said, 
however, occasionally most happy results can be accom- 
plished with a single model mate, and these positions are two 



CHESS LYRICS 

No. XVII. 
By Dr. Galitzky. 

BLACK 




WHITE 

White mates in two moves. 
1. Ba4. etc. 



No. XVIII. 
By Godfrey Heathcote. 

BLACK 




WHITE 

White mates in two moves. 
1. Ba5, etc. 



CHESS LYRICS Ixi 

of the happiest I know of. By all means let composers be 
ever on the lookout for the discovery of such schemes. The 
world wants them, and will be delighted to welcome them. 
But it must not be forgotten that the objections raised against 
the multi-model mate two-mover are only partially removed 
in these, and to exhibit them as the highest type of two-mover, 
to advocate that the "via media" should become a canon of 
two-move construction, would still be tantamount to promul- 
gating the absurd doctrine that such problems as Nos. VII, 
VIII, XIII and XIV ought never to have been, and should 
never again be composed. For my part I can accept no 
restrictions or reservations whatever in the construction of 
the two-mover. 

AS TO DUALS. 

Taking practically the same stand in the matter of the 
two-mover as that taken in "Chess: Its Poety and Its Prose," 
my views as to duals in these problems have undergone no 
material change, though I think I can say I have become 
more tolerant even here, and such a dual as that after Black 
1 . . . Qh4 in No. XIV does not disturb me now as it would 
eighteen years ago. Then, I have come to endure with a 
patience I would have thought impossible the many duals in 
two-movers of the model mate genus. This, not because I 
am unmindful of their presence, but because I have learned 
to recognize that the solver must approach these problems 
with the single thought that in order to extract such charms 
as they possess he must manoeuvre the Black forces so as to 
help to bring about the model mates, and all Black's moves 
that stop short of this must be entirely discarded. But it is 
with longer problems, say three-movers, that my ideas have 
changed, indeed undergone a complete revolution. I do not 
think any composer in the world has more liberal views than 
I now have as to duals in such problems. When the work 
was written to which reference has just been made, I was still 
somewhat bound by transitional tenets, which taught that 
the acme of good construction was reached in the elimination 
of every possible dual continuation and dual mate. Accord- 
ing to modem ideas, however, constructive finish is to be 
looked for rather in the blending and presentation of different 
ideas in the artistic dress of model mates. My position as to 
duals in three-movers of this character is a very simple one 
and can be told in a few words. I do not regard a dual con- 



Ixii CHESS LYRICS 

tinuation or mate as in the slightest degree a blemish in the 
mere fact that it is a dual. In order to be injurious at all it 
must destroy one of the model mates, must take from the 
problem something which the composer wanted to preserve, 
and which is worth preserving. Such a dual may be seen in 
Problem No. 172. After 1 . . . Kb4, my intention was to 
continue with White 2. Qf5,and after 2 . . . Pa2, 3. Kt c2, 
mate. But this line of play, a good one, containing as it does 
a quiet second move and a model mate, is totally destroyed 
in the fact that White can proceed equally as well by 2. Qd3, 
etc. I did not discover this flaw until after the problem 
had been honoured, but, in any event, it seems to be one of 
those duals which it is impossible to eradicate. 

Dual continuations are, of course, as a rule, of much 
more moment than dual mates, but, according to my stand, a 
dual mate may be as injurious as the most serious dual contin- 
uation. For instance, suppose in Problem No. 240 after 
1 . . . B takes Kt, 2. Qc8, K takes R, the Black 
Bishop at gl were not present and White could mate by 
3. Qh8 as well as 3. Ktb5. This dual mate would be as fatal 
as if White could have adopted any other second move than 
Qc8. Indeed, in this particular instance the choice of mating 
move would be as detrimental as a choice of key, seeing that 
the soul of the problem is centred in the mainplay. It may 
be added that after 1 . . . K takes R, White can continue 
by 2. Bb2 ch., as well as 2. Q takes B. The unavoidable 
presence of this dual continuation, though it is not of the 
character of that pointed out in No. 172, must be deemed 
unfortunate, since it follows so important a Black move. 

A dual continuation of the description I deem of no 
importance whatever may be seen in Problem No. 134 after 
1 . . . Pg2, when White may continue by 2. Rd5 ch. as 
well as the threat, 2. Qf5. Now, in the first place the threat 
itself is only a means to an end, and is of no strategic value 
so that even if it were lost it could well be spared. But it is 
not lost, seeing that after many other of Black's moves 
White is compelled to adopt that second move, and that 
only. All that is worth preserving in this problem follows 
Black's moves 1 . . . Pg4, 1 . . . Pf2, 1 . . . K takes R 
and 1 . . . Ke3; and if I were called upon to appraise the 
merit of the problem a dozen dual continuations that did 
not interfere with the integrity of these lines of play would 
not affect my judgment. Yet I must say in a problem of 



CHESS LYRICS Ixiif 

my own I would rather that even such a dual as that after 
1 . . . Pg2 were not present. This is, perhaps the outcome 
of the knowledge of the unsettled state of mind of the public 
in the matter of duals, and the not unnatural feeling that one 
would like to have his productions conform as far as possible 
with the demands of all standards, and be acceptable to all 
tastes. Nor, indeed, is it impossible for one to see as defects 
in his own w^ork that which he does not recognize as such in 
the work of another. 

DUALISTIC DOUBTS AND DIFFICULTIES. 

Than the dual question none has given rise to so much 
discussion, on none do opinions seem to differ so greatly, and on 
none does it appear less possible to get a clear and intelligible 
understanding as to what those opinions really are not only 
on the part of different schools of thought, but even on the 
part of individual members of those schools. It has usually 
been understood that the German and kindred composers 
had the most liberal ideas in the mxatter of duals. That has 
always been my belief. It was so, for instance, when some 
time ago I appended the note to the judge's report on Problem 
No. 128. Indeed, it is said that the great importance placed 
upon duals by English composers has always been a source of 
amusement to the Continental problemist. Perhaps this 
has been so, and perhaps at times there has been cause for it, 
for certainly some English critics occasionally make very 
astonishing pronouncements on the dual question, as, for 
instance, when the judges scored as duals in Problem No. 219 
two ways of mating in short mates, and double continuations 
in the full number of moves when a short mate was present. 
But the sentiment of a school must be gathered from its 
leaders, and if Mr. B. G. Laws be taken as representing the 
English view, and Dr. E. Mazel that of the Continental, then 
the recent award in the joint tourney of Brighton and Hove 
Society and Das Neue Illustrirte Blatt has left no room for 
doubt but that the position taken by English composers is, 
after all, the more sober and sensible. And it was Mr. Max 
J. Meyer, then Chess Editor of Brighton and Hove Society, 
who brought the sunlight of practical test to bear upon the 
dualistic mists, and did that much towards dispelling them. 
In order to ascertain as far as possible the difference that 
really existed between the two schools, he induced Dr. Mazel,. 
Chess Editor of Das Neue Illustrirte Blatt, to join him in 



Ixiv CHESS LTRICS 

organizing an international problem tournament in which 
there should be two judges, one from each school. Mr. Meyer 
selected Mr. Laws as the English judge, while Dr. Mazel 
undertook to represent his side. An interesting programme 
"Was announced and a large number of competitors took part. 
In due course came the award, and never did judges differ 
as did these. The difference was noticeable in many ways, 
but it was particularly so in the case of Problems Nos. 246 
and 247 in this work. Mr. Laws considered No. 247 as the 
best problem in the tourney and awarded it 85 points out of 
a possible 100, while Dr. Mazel placed it as low as twenty- 
fourth in order of merit, and awarded it only 15 points. Mr. 
Laws gave the second place to No. 246 with 83 points, while 
Dr. Mazel thought it should stand no higher than twenty- 
second in order, and valued it at 28 points. And what was 
chiefly responsible for this remarkable result? A reference 
to Dr. Mazel's criticisms will show how largely his decision 
was influenced by the importance he attached to duals. 
According to him, No. 247 is "not accurately worked out. 
There are a considerable number of duals," while of No. 246 
he said "the duals are here of great account." Now, without 
entering into the question as to how far two dual continua- 
tions and two dual mates (if Dr. Mazel went so far as to 
include the latter) could be correctly described as a "con- 
siderable number," I maintain that these duals, like those in 
the companion problem, are of the most unimportant char- 
acter, occurring as they do after absolutely purposeless 
moves on Black's part, and in no way interfering with the 
leading lines of play in either problem. But there is no 
need to enter into details or discuss the question. The fact 
remains that duals observed and considered by Mr. Laws, but 
which made hardly any appreciable effect on his decision, 
were regarded by his co-adjudicator as of such moment as to 
induce him practically to throw both problems out of the 
contest. Thus has it been left to Dr. Mazel to show that the 
vaunted liberality of his school is a mere myth, a thing 
beautiful in theory only, and well might English composers 
turn the laugh against their foreign friends. 

SCALING EXTRAORDINARY. 

The appearance of a record award in point of judges 
at variance naturally leads the thoughtful mind to enquire 
how far, in directions other than those supposed to be the 



CHESS LYRICS Ixv 

immediate cause of the divergence of view, the calculus of 
probabilities points to the more reasonable soundness of 
the one decision as against the other. Now, in the first 
place, as Mr. Meyer remarked in Brighton and Hove Society, 
"Mr. Laws has probably had more experience as a tourney 
judge than any other man living," and in such high regard 
is he held throughout the Problem World, I am confident even 
Continental composers will hesitate long before coming to 
the conclusion that in this particular instance his judgment 
and taste were so greatly at fault as Dr. Mazel's rating would 
make them out to be. Then, taking the two judges' reports, 
it is patent that the remarks appended to the different prob- 
lems by Dr. Mazel bear no comparison to Mr. Laws' exhaustive 
and masterly reviews. Again, in the awarding of points Mr. 
Laws showed far more thought and care, and even discretion, 
than did Dr. Mazel. Indeed, there is a point in the latter's 
manipulation of the marks which is very suggestive of the 
reductio ad absurdum, and affords, I think, quite as much 
food for reflection as did his treatment of the duals. Bearing 
as the matter does upon the important question of tourney 
adjudication, and having not only a local, but a general 
application, I fancy I might draw attention to it here without 
laying myself open to the charge of indulging in captious cri- 
ticism or cheap satire. Mr. Laws selected for appraisal 
twenty-eight problems. His favourite was marked at 85, 
the twenty-fourth in order 40, and the twenty- eighth as high 
as 35 points. On the other hand. Dr. Mazel appraised only 
twenty-four problems. His first choice stood as high as 90, 
while the twenty- fourth was scaled as low as 15 points. 
Now, suppose Dr. Mazel had been called upon to record in 
figures his mental estimate of the value of the remaining 
large number of sound problems in the tourney, what would 
have been the result ? Judging from the rapidity with which 
his figures travelled downwards, it is obvious he could not 
have gone much farther without exhausting the units. In 
fact, seeing that in the last three problems alone there was a 
fall of as many as 13 points, the limit must have been reached 
at the thirtieth in order of merit. After this is it plain that 
Dr. Mazel could have had no alternative but to resort to 
fractions. Hence it is no stretch of the imagination to pic- 
ture the thirty-first position marked at .5, and so on, and so 
on, until we found the worth of, say, the sixtieth position set 
down at .001, which, seeing that 100 points was supposed to 



Ixvi CHESS LYRICS 

represent a perfect problem, would certainly be a very inter- 
esting figure for the cogitations of the enquiring mind which 
desired to determine for its own satisfaction the exact degree 
of merit of the aforesaid sixtieth position. 

TOURNEY ADJUDICATION. 

While, of course, the high estimate placed upon Nos. 246 
and 247 by so able a judge as Mr. Laws was very gratifying 
to me, it can honestly be said it was altogether unexpected. 
I did not rank these problems amiong my best efforts, and if at 
any time I did picture one or the other in the prize-list in this 
important tourney, I saw it occtipying no higher place than 
the fourth or fifth. This would probably have been the 
case had there been a third judge. I am aware that the 
nature of this tourney precluded the possibility of having a 
third adjudicator, but, speaking generally, it is my opinion 
that in every important tourney the judicial bench should be 
composed of not less than three members. The presence of a 
third judge is bound to tend towards bringing about a more 
evenly-balanced award. Particularly would this be the case 
where the judges do not consult, but make entirely independ- 
ent appraisals. As to this, however, I think there should 
always be a consultation before the judges make their final 
rating. Had this been the case with Dr. Mazel and Mr. Laws 
I am confident there never would have been that striking 
difference between them. The interchange of thought must 
have a beneficial result. Flaws unobser^'ed might be brought 
to notice by the one, while the next might remove impressions 
formed as to the undue importance of other defects. A few 
timely words might awaken notes of appreciation lying 
dormant and only waiting to be struck, or bring to a more 
tuneful pitch chords too highly strung. It is, of course, a 
happy result when the judges can so harmonize their viev\-s 
as to be able to make a unanimous award. But I do not 
think this should be made an express condition for the 
judges to observe, else it might so happen that the more 
eloquent or persuasive, or he who is recognized as standing 
highest in status among them, might have things too much 
his own way, and thus prevent the desirable 
dissemination throughout the award of a diversity of tastes. 
It may be said the same objection would apply to judges con- 
sulting at all, but the matter puts on a somewhat different 
complexion when each judge enjoys liberty of action and feels 



CHESS LYRICS Ixvii 

the sense of individual responsibility in coming to a final 
determination, while the good that must accrue from the 
exchanging of views would far outv\'eigh any little harm that 
might possibly result. In the matter of the allotting of 
points, I have felt for a long time that each judge should not be 
allowed to form his own ideas as to what is or is not a perfect 
problem. He with generous notions might think his first 
choice approaches perfection as nearly as 95 per cent., the 
next might think 75 per cent, about the mark, while the third, 
who sets up for himself a very severe standard, might go as 
low as 60 per cent. — surely a most unstable foundation upon 
which to raise an award. More uniform and satisfactory 
results would be obtained if each judge regarded his favorite 
as perfection for the purposes of the tourney, and awarded it 
the maximum 100 marks, making that the basis on which 
his other figures are formed. As for those to w^hom the work 
of adjudication should be entrusted, it is harping on old 
strings, but if the desire is to secure an award based on the 
soundest principles, not only should there be three judges, 
but the good offices should be enlisted of the most eminent 
composers, and those who have kept themselves abreast of 
the times. The one- judge system of adjudication is still too 
often the custom in English tourneys. In too many cases 
also the conductor is quite satisfied with himself if he leaves 
the distribution of the prizes in the hands of a couple of 
second-rate com.posers of his acquaintance. Sometimes, 
indeed, the competing problems are committed to the tender 
mercies of some friend who is not a composer at all, but who 
has done a little solving and has the mysteriously-acquired 
reputation of being a problem connoisseur. There have been 
one or two non-composing problem students who have shown 
excellent taste and judgment in estimating the merits of a 
problem, but these can never replace the practised composer. 
It must be confessed that our foreign friends pay more regard 
than we do to this matter of adjudication, and, indeed, place 
more importance on their tourneys generally. Comparing the 
English with the foreign judge, however, it is my firm belief 
that three such problemists as Dr. Planck, and Messrs. B. G. 
Laws and Godfrey Heathcote, with a substitution if required 
from a few English and American names, would make a more 
reliable decision than any other three judges in the world. 
This is not a matter of favouring a certain school, since the 
composers I have named, or have in mind, are cosmopolitan 



Ixviii CHESS LTRICS 

in thought and eminently representative of the modern 
school, whose tenets are founded on the best of the teachings 
of all schools. Nor am I thinking of two-movers, as to the 
construction of which there exists the only material difference 
of opinion between the English-speaking and foreign com- 
posers. 

A WEAK CONDITION. 

Holding still the views expressed in "Chess: Its Poetry 
and Its Prose" as to the desirability of concealing from the 
judges the names of the authors of the different problems 
that pass under their purview, I could not but feel that in the 
joint tourney of Brighton and Hove Society and Das Neue 
lUustrirte Blatt there was a somewhat unfortunate condition ; 
nor did the result of the tourney serve to alter my convic- 
tion, since shortly after the programme was sent forth, in the 
course of my very happy correspondence with Mr. Meyer, I 
wrote in the same strain in which I am writing now. Accord- 
ing to the rules, competitors could send their entries either 
to Mr. Meyer or to Dr. Mazel. Now, I think it may be taken 
as a matter of course that the foreign problemists would send 
their entries to Dr. Mazel, and thus, not only would he be aware 
of the countries from which most of the problems came, but, 
with the intimate acquaintance he, a composer of eminence 
and a Chess Editor of long standing and high repute, must 
have with the handwriting of, and character of the diagrams 
used by, most of the leading Continental composers, in many 
cases he would be able to spot to a certainty the identical 
authors. Hence, so far as one of the judges was concerned, 
the sealed envelope and motto arrangement was rendered 
invalid. Such a state of affairs should not prevail in any 
tourney, much less so in one organized for a particular 
object. I do not think it is necessary for me to disclaim any 
intention of suggesting that Dr. Mazel would have knowingly 
allowed his decision to be influenced by the knowledge of 
which he became possessed. Indeed, my experience of 
composers has taught me to regard them as straightforward, 
upright and honorable in the extreme. Still, as was said in 
"Chess : Its Poetry and Its Prose:" "In all cases it is advisable 
that judges should make their award in perfect ignorance 
of the authorship of the different positions that come under 
their judicial eye, and, for this reason, it is desirable that all 
competing positions should be published under mottoes 
alone. This is urged without raising the question of intentional 



CHESS LYRICS Ixix 

partiality on the part of a judge; but on the grounds that 
the details of an award being generally arranged on bases 
impalpable to the reason a judge should be absolutely free 
from the possibility of being innocently influenced by any 
external circumstances whatever. The influences of personal 
friendship, national pride, or international renown are very 
potent, and yet as subtle as they are potent; and even un- 
willingness to yield to their dictates does not necessarily imply 
proof against their power." 

UNFINISHED TOURNEYS. 

Speaking of problem tournaments, in such contests held 
in different parts of the world I have won many prizes, con- 
sisting of medals, cheques, books, etc., of which I have 
never heard more than the fact that I had won the prizes. 
This is bad enough in all conscience, yet to my mind it is not 
as bad as the treatment accorded to the problems entered 
in the tourneys of the American Chess Monthly, the American 
Chess Magazine and the Montreal Witness, where judgment 
was not passed upon them at all. With the publication of the 
last problems in their tourneys, the two first named periodicals 
met that fate which (sad reflection on our boasted civilization !) 
too often befalls journals devoted to the interest of the most 
beautiful and intellectual game the world has known. But 
however one may sympathize with the proprietors and 
editors of these ill-starred ventures, those concerned cannot be 
excused from not meting out to the participants in the contest 
the simple justice of an award, and thereby giving to the 
successful competitors the honors at least of the event. 
After all, it is the gratification triumph gives, the pleasure of 
seeing one's problems published far and wide, and delighting 
and winning the applause of the problem public, which forms 
the chief incentive to tourney competition; for the tangible 
tokens of success in these contests are comparatively trifling, 
and even a five-guinea prize, viewed in the light of a pecu- 
niary reward only, does not adequately compensate a com- 
poser for the labour bestowed upon the perfection of, say, 
a three-move masterpiece. The absence of an award might 
form a useful cover for the retreat of the promoter who is 
unable or unwilling to discharge the prize obligations, but it 
is doing a double wrong to those who in good faith accepted 
his invitation to take part in the tourney. The judges would 
have readily given a verdict had they been called upon to do 



Ixx CHESS LYRICS 

so, and any Chess journal would have willingly given it pub- 
licity. The authorship of the problems entered in these 
unfinished tourneys lie folded in mottoes, and hence they are 
practically lost to their composers. By reason of previous 
publication, they would not prove altogether acceptable to 
Chess periodicals even as ordinary contributions, while they 
would be absolutely debarred from competition in other 
tourneys. 

BADLY FINISHED TOURNEYS. 

But if there are unfinished tourneys, there are also 
badly-finished tourneys, and it is against the unsatisfactory 
manner in which some of these affairs are wound up that I 
desire to take the opportunity of entering a few passing words 
of protest. 

In all awards the judge or judges should review the 
competing entries, or at least the leading ones of them, and 
publication should be made of these reviews. These com- 
ments are of considerable interest, not onlj^tothe competitors 
themselves, but also to all those who have studied the prob- 
lems during the course of the contest, and particularly the 
solvers in that always interesting and useful addendum to 
the problem tourney, the concurrent solving competition. 
But the judges' comments are instructive as well, and the 
beginner often gets useful lessons from them. Then, the 
prize problems should be re-published, not only for the purpose 
of displaying the victors wreathed with their laurels, but also 
in order to give those to whom they may be new the oppor- 
tunity of studying them, and editors the ready means of 
publishing selections from them. Lastly, the names of all the 
competitors should be printed. In the first place, the con- 
querors have the right to know whom they have vanquished. 
Then, publication of the names gratifies a perhaps pardonable 
w^eakness of frail mortality, by telling the defeated who are 
their brothers in defeat, and letting them derive whatever 
consolation they can accordingly. Moreover, it properly 
satisfies the very natural curiosity of the solvers and the 
many interested spectators of the event. JL say that these 
things should be done, and, as a matter of fact, they are done 
in all well-regulated tourneys. But I have met with a few 
sorry exceptions to the excellent, time-honoured custom. 
"Occasionally the conductor rises superior to all such mundane 
minutise, and seems to think that he is doing all that is 
required of him, when, with the bare and bald, dry-as-dust 



CHESS LYRICS Ixxi 

statements that the judge or judges have awarded the prizes 
to so and so and made honourable mention of so and so, he 
bows out those concerned. Of course, I am not including 
those awards in which such a preliminary announcement is 
made, and the necessary details subsequently given. 

HOW FAR CERTAIN TOURNEY ENTRIES CAN BE SAIjD 
TO HAVE COMPETED. 

Apropos of the remarks on unfinished tourneys, and 
touching upon the not unimportant question as to how 
far certain tourney entries can be said to have competed, 
and how far such entries may be eligible for competition in 
other tourneys, I may be permitted to give here the following 
extract from the Canterbury Times (New Zealand) , of the 
17th Sept., 1902:— 

"Continuing his letter to Mr. Blackburne, of which we 
have already made such free use in our columns, Mr. Macken- 
zie says: 

'This brings me to the contention raised by you some 
time ago, namely, that unsound entries in a tourney, even 
though unpublished, should not be eligible for competition in 
another tourney. Your argument, though forcibly ex- 
pressed, did not shake my conviction to the contrary. If 
the author, after sending in his entry, . discovers some flaw 
and withdraws it before publication, or if the judges, in a 
preliminary examination, "cook" the problem, and throw it 
out of the contest, giving no consideration whatever to its 
merits, can it be said that such an entry should be debarred 
from future competition, on the ground that it has competed 
before? I should say certainly not, and this view is, I am 
confident, that which is generally held. The case assumes a 
different aspect in a tourney where only the honoured prob- 
lems, or those and a select few of the competing positions, are 
published. Here, all the sound problems pass under the 
judge's purview, and have their merits appraised by them. 
Thus, even though they were not published, these positions 
have, strictly speaking, competed. But, even in these cases, 
I fancy there will be many who will see no very great harm 
if the author of a rejected composition should let it take its 
chance in a second contest. 

'As bearing on these questions, I remember, over twenty 
years ago, Mr. Laws contributed a problem to a tourney 
organized by Brief. After a few of the entries were published. 



Ixxii 



CHESS LYRICS 



No. XIX. 
By P. Klett. 

BLACK 




WHITE 

White mates in three moves. 
1. Rb5, KtxKP; 2. QeS, KxP; 3. Qd7 mate. 



No. XX. 
By A. F. M. 

BLACK 




WHITE 

White mates in three moves. 
1. KtxP, Ph5; 2. Ktc4, KxKt; 3. QxP mate. 



CHESS LTRICS Ixxiii 

Mr. Laws' being among the number, the paper suspended 
pubhcation, and the tourney came to an abrupt termination. 
Shortly after, Mr. Laws sent the same problem to another 
competition, and claimed his right to do so on the ground 
that the previous tourney had fallen through. The judges 
upheld Mr. Laws' action, and the problem was awarded a 
prize. Now, inasmuch as this problem had been published, 
and in this fact there had been infringed an important stand- 
ing rule, which, even if unexpressed in the conditions of the 
latter toume}^, should be regarded as understood, I could not 
bring myself to very enthusiastically endorse that decision. 
At the same time, my leaning was most emphatically on the 
side of Mr. Laws, for- it is very hard for a composer to lose his 
problems under such circumstances. ' " 

Commenting on the foregoing, the editor thought there 
was inconsistency in the assertion that the judges who found 
a second solution to a problem and threw it out of the tourney, 
had not considered its merits, for, argued the editor, soundness 
is the first essential in regard to a problem's merits (or de- 
merits). I do not altogether take this view of the matter. 
To my mind soundness is not so much an essential in regard 
to merit as it is an essential to the problem's very existence. 
An unsound problem is no problem at all, and it would be 
absurd to say that in the fact of discovering an unintended 
solution the adjudicator had passed judgment on its merit, 
properly so-called. I think the expression "appraising a 
problem's merits" would be taken by general acceptation 
to mean the estimating of its worth under such detailed 
features as Beauty, Difficulty, Originality, Construction, and 
the like. 

PROBLEMATIC PROBLEM RESEMBLANCES. 

Not long ago, Mr. Godfrey Heathcote sent me in one 
of his many highly-prized letters a couple of recently com- 
posed and totally distinct two-movers, in each of which, 
however, by a curious coincidence, Black and White each 
had seven men, and in each of which the keymove was made 
by the Queen moving from a2 to a6. In drawing my at- 
tention to this, Mr. Heathcote facetiously remarked, "I hope 
no genius will suggest the disqualification of these problems 
because of the remarkable likeness!" We had been discuss- 
ing some recent cases of problem resemblance, real and 
imaginary, principally the latter, and it was the discoverers 
of these that called forth Mr. Heathcote's sarcasm. But 



Ixxiv CHESS LYRICS 

wild as was Mr. Heathcote's missile, it had a nearer mark 
than perhaps he was aware of. If ever there was presented 
a target not a figment of the fancy, at which Mr. Heathcote 
might well have aimed his shaft, it was when, some eighteen 
years ago, Prof. J. Berger questioned the originality of No. 
XX because of an. alleged likeness to the earlier problem, No. 
XIX. Now, it had not been long after I entered the prob- 
lem world before I learned to regard Prof. Berger, not only 
as the leading Continental composer, but the world's most 
eminent authority of the time, and so when I came to under- 
stand (and the understanding was some time in coming) 
that the likeness the professor saw was the mating position 
in each in which two Black Knights were pinned, it fairly 
took my breath away, for nothing of the kind so chimerical 
had ever before (or, I miay add, has since,) come within my 
experience. 

THE LIKENESS EXAMINED. 

Problems the counterpart of each other are so often 
produced by different composers under circumstances clearly 
the result of cerebral unification that, even in those cases 
where there might be room for doubt that the likeness was 
accidental, the Problem World feels bou.nd to accept the 
good faith of the second comer, especially if he be a composer 
of any standing. Nor is any harm likely to arise from this 
generous course. The germ of plagiarism has no habitat 
where the afflatus of the composer exists, and the problem 
pilferer may safely be left to time and fate with the certainty 
that he will soon disappear into that obscurity from which 
he should never have emerged. But, while imputing no 
bad faith to its author, the edict goes forth that the second 
problem in the field must be deleted from problem literatures, 
and if it is a tourney competitor, disqualification follows. 
This, of course, refers to those cases where the likeness is 
complete, or where there is such an immaterial difference 
as to make the resemblance apparent to the most casual ob- 
server. When, however, the likeness is only a partial or 
thematic one, and there are features in the one problem dis- 
tinct from the other, the question as to how far the require- 
ments of originality have been carried out is an extremely 
delicate one. Now, apart from the mere coincidence of 
the double-pin mates, Nos. XIX and XX are as wide apart 
from each other as the Poles. Nor are the mating positions 
themselves the same, one being a vertical mate and the other a 



CHESS LYRICS Ixxv 

diagonal one. But, even if the mating positions were iden- 
tical so long as the strategy which brought them about 
was different, the demands of originality would have been 
met. No composer can claim Letters Patent for these pinning 
devices. Such schemes are common property, to be used by 
any composer without let or hindrance, provided he 
impresses them with the stamp of his individuality. Through 
the pages of Steinitz's International Chess Magazine, in 
which journal Prof. Berger raised the question, I was bold 
enough to combat it with him, and I think it can safely be 
said that I carried my point, at least to the satisfaction of 
English-speaking readers. Mr. F. M. Teed, a most clear- 
headed critic, and one of Am.erica's most eminent and up-to- 
date authorities, entered the arena, and a "triangular duel" 
ensued. It was not, however, altogether like Midshipman 
Easy's famous "duel" of the kind, since Mr. Teed had shots 
at both the professor and me, while in turn the professor 
and I each had shots at Mr. Teed. In other words, Mr. 
Teed supported me on the main question of originality, but 
stood by Prof. Berger on a side issue raised by the latter 
as to the superiority of No. XIX. With regard to this, I 
must say that No. XX had shortly before won the second 
prize in a problem tourney of the Mirror of American Sports 
and I had heard privately that it had all but nonplussed 
the judge. It was not therefore altogether unnatural that 
a glamour was woven about the position which prevented me 
from seeing it in its true light, and I was not ready to 
yield ground even on the issue of superiority. It gives me 
much pleasure to say now, howcA^er, that I have long since 
recognized that my problem is only a transitional curiosity, 
and that Klett's is much the more artistic production. 

THE "SCHACHFREUND" CASE. 

It is only repeating what we all know when I say that 
no strictly new problem idea can be expected in these days, 
and that originality is to be looked for only in the manner 
in which old themes are dressed and presented in combination 
with others. How far this has been successfully accomplished, 
how far a problem's new features entitle it to rank as an in- 
dependent production at all, and how far, in the case of a tour- 
ney competitor, it should be penalised for want of novelty, 
are questions which, as I have suggested before, can be properly 
determined only by the profound analyst and broad minded 



Ixxvi 



CHESS LTRICS 



No. XXI. 

By H. Cudmore. 

BLACK 




WHITE 

White mates in two moves. 
1. Re2, etc. 



No. XXII. 

By Dr. O. Jarosch. 

Motto: "Nach Cudmore Bearbeitet. 

BLACK 



wm ^ WM 



m ft m. 






WHITE 

White mates in two moves. 
1. Rh4, etc. 



CHESS LYRICS Ixxvii 

thinker. That Prof. Bergeris the former is beyond all question. 
Indeed, the Problem World has known no greater analyst than 
he, while he has also turned the searchlight of his rare analy- 
tical acumen upon many of the Openings, and has made 
some valuable contributions to this branch of chess literature. 
Hence the strange view Prof. Berger took of the originality 
of No. XX was not due to any want of power on his part to 
grasp and comprehend in its every detail the bearing of the 
two positions upon each other. It is explicable rather on 
the hypothesis that the code that guides him in this matter 
is one of unique stringency. And, indeed, it would appear 
that the composers of his school generally do not treat this 
question of originality with the same liberal-minded gener- 
osity of their English and American confreres. Never, I 
think, was this more clearly manifested than with regard 
to Nos. 134, 114, 147 and 132 in this volume. The issue started 
with Nos. 147 and 134, when because of the likeness of the 
former to the latter, which had shortly before been 
awarded the first prize in a tourney of the Bohemian 
Chess Association, the Berlin Schachfreund vetoed the claim 
of the former to the prize won in its tourney. Nos. 114 and 
132 were introduced later in the discussion, when the ques- 
tion resolved itself into the contention, speaking broadly, 
that because of their likeness to No. 114, the first in the field, 
none of the later problems could be considered legitimate 
candidates for tourney honors. There were a few eminent 
exceptions, but this seemed to be the view of the school as 
a whole. Now, while I was aware the same train of thought 
ran through the four problems, more particularly through 
Nos. 134 and 147, and Nos. 114 and 132, and while I could under- 
stand the later problems might suffer to some extent in the 
rating for originality, yet I could not see but that there was 
in each of these problems that which abundantly established 
its right to independent existence, even for tourney purposes. 
But in an article in the Deutche Schachzeitung Prof. Berger 
had in a kindly manner suggested that, composing as I did 
sans voir, it might be that I could not see these things as they 
should be seen. To me my vision seemed clear, but I could 
not disguise from myself that there might be something 
in what Prof. Berger said. Yet there was the fact that the 
Germans themselves were not of one mind on the question, 
and early in the discussion I had private expression of opinion 
strong in my favour from the Rev. J. Jespersen, the leading 



Ixxviii 



CHESS LYRICS 



No. XXIII. 
By B. G. Laws. 

BLACK 






^ m 






■ ■ 



WHITE 

White mates in two moves. 
1. Kte3, etc. 

No. XXIV.* 
By Godfrey Heathcote. 









i 1 



'wm'^'m/' '% 



WHITE 

White mates in two moves. 
1. Ktd6, etc. 

*This problem combines with four model mates an unusual amount of 
strategy. The perfect freedom from duals is also a noticeable feature. 



CHESS LTRICS Ixxix 

Scandinavian composer, and Mr. ]\Iax J. Meyer, a problemist 
in whose judgment I have great confidence. Moreover, it 
happened that in the meantime Mr. Laws, who was aware 
of the existence of No. 114, having been one of the judges 
who gave it its prize, had pubhshed in his Problem World 
in the British Chess Magazine the three later problems, 
spoken of them in terms of praise, and made no suggestion 
that he saw that likeness which the Schachfreund and its sup- 
porters saw. All this was quite enough to make firm any 
faltering of faith in my power of perception in this direction. 
Nevertheless, the time seemed an opportune one to get the 
sentiments of some other of our authorities. I thereupon 
sought the views of Dr. Planck and Messrs. Godfrey Heath- 
cote, George Hume and F. M. Teed, and had the gratification 
of finding my position entirely supported. 

But I believe Mr. White has some data to give on this 
matter. So I shall leave it with the observation that it has 
been to me a "staggerer," of as much perplexity as King 
Charles the First's head was to poor be-dazed Mr. 
Dick, to follow the process of reasoning which saw 
equitable the slapping in the face of my problem because 
of its likeness to another or others of my own works, and the 
patting on the back of one of their own composers by award- 
ing him honorable mention for a problem which, as admitted 
by its very motto, was borrowed outright from an old com- 
position by Mr. H. Cudmore. A study of the diagrams Nos. 
XXI and XXH will prove interesting and suggestive. 

OTHER EXAMPLES. 

Many other cases could be cited to illustrate the differ- 
ence between the foreign mind and ours on this question 
of originality. When, for instance, after publication was 
made of the award in which No. 53 was placed second, Herr 
Maximow drew attention in La Strategic to the resemblance 
that problem bore to No. 25, an earlier prize-winner, it ought 
to have occurred to him that, inasmuch as both were Ameri- 
can tourneys, the second following the first event within a 
comparatively short time, v/hen the latter 's prize-takers 
must have been fresh in the mind of the public, the American 
judges must have " taken stock," of the likeness before 
coming to a decision. Again, when Dr. Palkoska filed 
a caveat against No. 218 because of its resemblance to an 
earlier problem by Mr. Laws (see No. XXIII) , he was evidently 



Ixxx 



CHESS LYRICS 



No. XXV. 
By V. Marin. 




WHITE 

White mates in three moves. 
1. Qc6, PxQ; 2. Kt a3, PxKt; 3. Rb8 mate, etc. 

No. XXVI. 
By V. Marin. 




WHITE 

White mates in three moves. 
1. Kt f4, PxR; 2. Kt d3, PxKt; 3. Rh4 mate, etc. 



CHESS LYRICS Ixxxi 

unaware of the fact that Mr. Laws himself was president of 
the court of three which sat in judgment on the problem, 
and if he had thought it was an unwarrantable infringement of 
his design its fate would have been settled then and there. I 
think it was Dr. Palkoska who shortly after adopted a similar 
procedure with regard to problem No. 220, again making 
the Laws problem the ground of his objection. The English 
judges, however, could not see eye to eye with the Bohemian, 
and the injunction was once more refused. But success crowned 
Dr. Palkoska's next essay in this direction. At his instance' 
No. XXIV was, because of its likenesss to problem No. 218, 
ruled out of court in a tourney in the Hampstead and High- 
gate Express, the judge on this occasion, however, being a 
German, long resident in England. While there are points 
in common between the two problems, I have no hesitation 
in expressing the opinion that Mr. Heathcote's composition 
did not deserve this fate. Not only is it an improvement 
on problem No. 218, but it is also amply varied. I understand, 
however, that the judge himself did not consider the resem- 
blance close enough to warrant absolute disqualification, 
but so great was his admiration of the Heathcote problem 
that he could not bring himself to see it in any position other 
than first. In this state of mind, he made a decree which 
was certainly sentimental, if not just. Feeling himself un- 
able under the circumstances to give it the first prize, he 
gave it its quietus altogether, — a delightful quixotism truly, 
yet one for which we cannot help having a certain amount 
of sympathy. It may be noted here that Mr. Heathcote's 
problem is another instance of an accidental resemblance. 
Though published after No. 218 it was really composed be- 
fore that problem, and was in no way inspired by it. 

Dr. Palkoska does seem to be exceptionally keen in 
the quest for these problem likenesses. It was he who, 
during the course of publication of the entries in the Norwich 
Mercury's recent "King in the Comer" tourney (the prob- 
lems on this occasion being inserted under their authors* 
names), raised an objection against an entry by Sr. Valentin 
Marin (No. XXV) because of likeness to an earlier problem 
(No. XXVI) by the same author. In reply Sr. Marin 
maintained that the idea was his and that he was quite within 
his rights to present it in a new and varied form. That the 
fact that, with all the evidence before them, Sr. Marin's 
English judges took his view of the matter is shown in the 



Ixxxii 



CHESS LYRICS 



No. XXVII. 
By O. Nemo. 




WHITE 

White mates in three moves. 

1. Kte5, KxQKt; 2. Ktf6, Kany; 3. Oal mate. 
KxKKt; 2. Bg2+, K any; 3. Qal mate, 
threat; 2. Kt f3+, KxKt; 3. Pd6 mate. 



No. XXVIII. 
By E. Palkoska. 

BLACK 




WHITE 

White mates in three moves. 

1. Ktc6, KxKKt; 2. Kte4, Kd5; 3. Qb7 mate. 
KxQKt; 2. Bf8+, Kd5; 3. Qhl mate, 
threat; 2. Kt e7+, KxKt; 3. Qb4 mate. 



CHESS LTRICS Ixxiiii 

problem was placed first. This example has an interesting 
bearing on the Schachfreund case, the problems being at once 
three-movers and by same author. The stand taken by 
Sr. Marin shows, too, that he must have sided with me 
in that controversy. 

THE BEARING OF THE THEME ON ORIGINALITY. 

It will be observed that the four Schachfreund problems 
as well as the two Marin productions, and, indeed, all those 
just referred to, have clear and well-defined designs. Now, 
it is a fact that problems embodying such ideas are much 
more likely to be accused of, and to suffer for, the want of 
originality than those presenting less marked and more con- 
ventional themes, and that, too, even though the former 
have been far less frequently employed, and are, therefore, 
really more original. And the explanation of this seeming 
paradox is a simple one. Problems with such pronounced 
plots are, by reason both of their piquancy and comparative 
fewness in number, the more easily remembered; and, by 
reason of their boldness of outline, more readily attract 
attention and invite and permit comparison. On the other 
hand, take the following problems, given as illustrative exam- 
ples in an article which Mr. Laws contributed some years ago 
to the British Chess Magazine. As Mr. Laws pointed out, 
a study of the solution of these two problems will show that 
they are thematically identical, the only spark of novelty 
about them being the manner in which the different mating 
positions are brought about. Yet, plans such as these, 
exceedingly pretty, but not particularly brilliant, are met 
with in so many different forms and under so many different 
conditions that, in the confusion of very num.bers, and un- 
aided by any distinctness of outline, only a critic whose 
prestige gives him access behind the scenes, and who avails 
himself of the privilege, could have so successfully brought 
system out of chaos as Mr. Laws has here. Mr. Laws did 
not claim, nor am I pretending to claim now, that Nos. XXVII 
and XXVIII are not original enough as things go, but it will 
be patent to all, now that the picture has been drawn for them, 
that the likeness is striking indeed. 

IMPROVED VERSIONS. 

It seems to me that, in considering the originality of a 
position, too much stress is sometimes laid upon the question 
as to how far it is an improvement upon that with which it is 



Ixxxiv 



CHESS LYRICS 



No. XXIX. 
By F. M. Teed. 

BLACK 




WHITE 

White mates in two moves. 
1. Qa7, etc. 



No. XXX. 

By N. Maximow.* 

BLACK 




WHITE 

White mates in two moves. 
1. Qa7, etc. 

♦This position is given by me from memory, but I feel sure that at least 
it correctly expresses the sense of Herr Maximow s improvement. The 
position mav be thus: — White: Kh5, Qb6, Kt c8 P'sb4, d5,e4 f3 and g6; 
Black: Ke5, Ba6, P's b7, f4 and h6. 



CHESS LYRICS Ixxxv 

being compared. A mere improvement does not in itself 
constitute originality. There must be present something 
distinctly new, either in the form in which the idea is pre- 
sented or in its amalgamation with other ideas. Indeed, 
a problem may discharge all the obligations of originalit}?- 
and yet be no improvement whatever on its nearest prototype, 
whereas a problem which is a clear improvement may lay no 
claim whatever to novelty. 

In this connection, Herr Maximow, in an interesting 
contribution to the Schachfreund controversy, occupied a 
position which, I fancy, can hardly be supported by the laws 
of meum and tuum. If I understood it rightly, it was to the 
effect that a composer was perfectly justified in improving a 
brother-problemist's work and claiming it as his own, provided 
always that such improved position was not made use of for 
tourney purposes. In illustration of his view, Herr Maxi- 
mow gave as a concrete example a well-known two-mover by 
Mr. F. M. Teed, accompanied by a diagram under his (Herr 
Maximow's) name, showing how by a slight re-disposition of 
the forces he could have made economical as well as pure a 
mate pure but non-economical. In every other respect the 
problems stood identical from key to close. Now, admitting 
that he did improve Mr. Teed's problem, surely in the struct- 
ural change made in the position Herr Maximow in no way 
set upon it the seal of his individuality. But, while he would 
publish the improved position under his name, he would not, 
he said, think of entering it in a tourney. Small wonder, 
seeing that it would have been sent about its business in a very 
peremptory manner by any judge who had previous know- 
ledge of the Teed problem. And if it deserves such a fate 
as a tourney competitor, what code of ethics would make 
righteous the claim to its possession at all ? I cannot see the 
broad line which demarks the two things. Picture the effect 
of a doctrine which gives the young aspirant to problematic 
fame carte blanche to set out on an "improving" and com- 
mandeering crusade against well-known problems. I do not 
think Herr Maximow's view of this matter is shared by many. 
Certainly it is not by the veteran Loyd, for, strangely enough, 
in a recent number of Lasker's Chess Magazine we find him 
writing in a mildly protesting strain on this very subject, and 
capping his remarks by showing how he could improve 
a recently-published problem and asking, "What would 
problemists say if, by right of this suggestion or improvement, 
as some have termed it, I should lay any claim to authorship ? " ' 



Ixxxvi CHESS LYRICS 

WHAT IS BLACK'S STRONGEST MOVE? 

It is but natural that there should be one or two English 
problemists, not among those who lead public opinion or 
shape public thought, whose vision in the matter of problem 
similitude is, like that of the majority of the Continentals, 
bounded by a very circumscribed horizon. I am thinking 
now of my controversy some years ago with Mr. H. Cudmore 
as to the likeness between Nos. 138 and 139. The subject is 
mentioned here, however, not with the object of adding any- 
thing to what I then said in the British Chess Magazine as to 
the incontrovertible right of each of the problems to inde- 
pendent existence, but rather for the purpose of making a few 
remarks on a somewhat interesting question touched upon in 
the correspondence, and a question which I do not think has 
ever been dealt with at any length. It is, what is Black's 
strongest move in a problem? Mr. Cudmore contended that 
"the strongest move on the part of the defence is the one 
which exerts the most potent influence in compelling the 
strategy associated with the key move . . . the one 
that not only decides which way the key-piece must move, 
but also determines the very square it must occupy in its 
new position," while I maintained that Black's strongest 
move is that which demands White's best reply, the mainplay 
or leader. Problem No. 134 will afford an excellent illustra- 
tion of the two positions. 1 . . . K takes R is the move 
"that not only decides which way the key-piece must move, 
but also determines the very square it must occupy in its 
new position." But clearly Black's strongest move is, not 
1 . . . K takes R, but the seemingly inoffensive one of 
1 . . . Pg4, since that move "exerts the most potent 
influence" over the whole position, and calls upon White to 
make his supreme effort, namely, the subtle and unlooked-for 
rejoinder 2. Qh6. The fact is Mr. Cudmore amusingly 
enough looked at the matter from a standpoint before the 
keymove is made, when Black's move is merely an imaginary 
one; but after the opening coup, when it really becomes 
Black's turn to play, the whole aspect of the situation may be 
changed, and what was Black's strongest move before White 
has played may afterwards be the very weakest on the board. 
For instance, it is easy to conceive a three-mover with a short 
variation, to meet which the key-move is determined in the 
manner described by Mr. Cudmore. Yet if after the key, 
Black were to make that move, and thus give White the 



CHESS LTRICS Ixxxvfi 

opportunity of mating in two instead of three moves, cer- 
tainly that would be absolutely Black's weakest move. But 
the nail of proof of the unsoundness of Mr. Cudmore's position 
is driven home by the fact (a) that Black's strongest move 
may become possible only when the key is made, and clinched 
by the fact (b) that after the key the move which forced and 
fixed it, in the manner mentioned by Mr. Cudmore, may 
become an impossible one! As to (a), take problem No. 157. 
Black's strongest move is certainly 1 . . . P takes Q, not in 
the mere fact of the capture of the Queen, but because it 
checks White's attack in the most emphatic manner and creates 
the most decisive disruption of his plans, and to overcome 
it White is put most on his mettle. Then, as to (b), an 
excellent illustration is afforded in Herr Feigl's two-mover, 
No. XVI. Beyond the shadow of a doubt it is the possible 
machination ot the Black Knight on e4 that "not only decides 
which way the key-piece must move, but also determines the 
very square it must occupy in its new position." But the 
key pins the Sable Knight, and thus Mr. Cudmore's "strongest 
move" ceases to exist. So also would be the case in a 
"give and take" key, such as that in No. 114, and, indeed, any 
key that cuts off a flight square from the Black King. 

Mr. Cudmore's theory is not without a certain amount of 
force, and is true in some particular cases. But, when this is 
so, it will be found to apply equally as well to the other view. 
Dr. Galitzky's two-mover, No. XVII, illustrates this. Black 
1 . . . B takesRis themovewhichdeterminesthekey,anditis 
clearly also the move which calls for White's best continuation. 
I think the simple claim that Black's strongest move is that 
which demands White's best reply must be logically sound 
in all cases. Of course, there might be two or three moves 
on this principle of equal strength and importance. 

MY CONTEMPORARIES.* 

In the early part of these pages I gave a few of my favour- 
ite problems, and before concluding I would like to enlarge 
upon this by making special reference, necessarily in the 
tersest terms, to some of those composers whose works have 
impressed me most, or whose names have been longest and 
most prominently before me during my delightful sojourn in 
the fairyland of problem lore. 

*In speaking here of English composers I am doing so without any 
knowledge of the sentiments expressed by Mr. A. C. White in his recent 
articles in The London Weekly Times. 



Ixxxviii 



CHESS LYRICS 



No. XXXI. 
By Godfrey Heathcote. 




WHITE 

White mates in three moves. 
1. Kt d6; if 1. Pf5, 2. Kt e4, etc.; if 1. Ke5, 2. Kt f5, etc.; 
if 1. Pg3, 2. Pc4, ch., etc.; if 1. other, 2. Kt f8, dis. ch., etc. 

No. XXXII. 
By B. G. Laws. 




WHITE 

White mates in four moves. 



1. Qc6; if 1. Pd3, 2. Kt c7 dis. ch., K moves; 3. Kt c4 or 
e6 ch. ace, etc. ; if 1. Pf4, 2. Qg6 ch., KxP; 3. Kt b4, etc., etc. 



CHESS LYRICS Ixxxix 

In the first place, let me pay homage to the "Queen of 
Chess," and say how entirely I share the world's admiration of 
that gifted lady, Mrs. W. J. Baird. Passing to the sterner 
sex, the rare brilliance of Mr. T. Tavemer's two-movers when 
that composer's star was at its height makes noticeable and 
regrettable indeed his long absence from the Chess firmament, 
brought about by what I may, perhaps, be permitted to term 
his self-wrought obscuration. But I do not think Mr. 
Taverner's best work equals that of Mr. P. F. Blake, whom, 
indeed, I regard as the greatest two-move composer the world 
has known. The deftness with which he handles the more 
complex and tangled two-move schemes is simply wonderful. 
Mr. Blake is also the author of some notable three-movers, 
and, if he maintains his strength, his future place among 
English composers will be no uncertain one. Exceptionally 
happy in the construction alike of two- and three-movers, 
Mr. Godfrey Heathcote is, uniting the two lengths of prob- 
lem, my present favourite English composer. There is in 
Mr. Heathcote's compositions a delicacy and grace both of 
design and work which can never fail to charm and impress 
the solver. I have already had occasion to show Mr. Heath- 
cote in different moods as a bi-move strategist, and here is a 
three-mover for the equal of which, as a problem where 
White's major forces consist only of two Bishops and two 
Knights, I do not hesitate to hazard the opinion that one 
would search the world in vain. The companion problem by 
Mr. Laws is certainly England 's best four-mover of modern 
times, and, perhaps, ipso facto of all times. As a 
composer of direct-mates of all lengths, sui-mates, puzzles, etc., 
Mr. Laws stands easily at the head of all English composers. 
In speaking of my association with Brief, I referred to Mr. 
John Keeble as a self-mate specialist. To his and Mr. Laws' 
names I must add that of Mr. George Hume, who has also done 
splendid work in this class of strategy. Dr. C. Planck seems 
to have suspended his explorations of Caissa's mines, but he is 
already the possessor of a very fine collection of three-move 
gems, interspersed among which are several two-move beauties, 
and two or three attractive four-movers. I have very kindly 
feelings for Mr. George J. Slater, not only because of the most 
acceptable character of his work as an all-round man, but 
also by reason of long association. Both Mr. Laws and I 
found Mr. Slater a well-known figure in the Problem World, 
and even now he occasionally shows himself as fresh and 



xc CHESS LTRICS 

facile as ever. No other English composer has this 
record. Not forgetting to make passing mention of some 
two-movers by Mr. R. G. Thompson, and expressing my great 
and sympathetic admiration of that genius Mr. H. F. W. 
Lane, I come to the welcome more recent additions to 
England's votaries of the Art. Of these, Mr. F. W. Wynne 
has surely made the most triumphant entry, and seems deter- 
mined to continue making his presence felt. Of the rest, I 
think I see most promise (and it is abundant) in the works of 
Messrs. C. Vincent Berry and H. D'O. Bernard. 

On going to the Continent the first names that greet me 
are those of Herr Conrad Erlin, the Austrian past-master, and 
M. EmilePradignat, who of French composers may almost be 
termed "the only." Both Herr Erlin and M. Pradignat were com- 
posing problems and winning prizes long before I saw the light 
of Chessic day, and still the name of one or the other is 
seldom or never absent from the roll of honour of an important 
international tournament. Such staying powers is without 
a parallel, except, indeed, in the case of Herr Ottmar Nemo, 
another Viennese crack, whose name mingles closely with 
that of Herr Erlin. But for the past decade or so the most 
prominent name on the Continent has been that of Herr 
Maximilian Feigl, another and a younger Austrian master. 
Herr Feigl can, I believe, show no four-movers of the char- 
acter of those which the composers I have just named could 
produce from their portfolios. He has made his mark rather 
in the construction of three-movers and two-movers (of their 
generi) . Time was when it would have been impossible to 
toast Bohemia's composers without coupling the names of 
Herren J. Dobrusky, J. Pospisil and G. Chocholous. These 
problemists are, however, not so conspicuous as they were of 
yore. Indeed, Herr Pospisil seems to have become quite 
an extinct force. But Bohemia is still represented by a most 
brilliant array of talent, the works of the present active 
exponents, however, being of such even excellence that I 
would not like to single out any particular name. The three- 
movers bom of the brain of Sr. Valentin Marin, facile princeps 
of Spanish composers, have a great attraction for me, and, 
indeed, it would appear, for all problemists. These three- 
movers, though faultless in finish, are not, strictly speaking, 
modern compositions, seeing that they consist mostly of 
single-theme positions. But these themes are remarkable 
for their originality, depth and piquancy, and, in this respect 



CHESS LYRICS xci 

Sr. Marin occupies a unique place in problemdom. Herr 
J. Fridlizius, of Sweden, has not, I believe, evolved a very- 
large number of problems, but I have seen two or three three- 
movers of his which struck me with more than the usual 
force. Very much the same may be said of some two- and 
three-movers by Dr. A. Galitzky, who seems to me to be the 
most ingenious of the composers who hold allegiance to the 
Czar of all the Russias. I do not mean to depart from Europe 
until I have found my way to Svendborg, Denmark, shaken 
the Rev. J. Jespersen heartily by the hand, told him that 
for no foreign problemist have I felt so much friendly regard,, 
and thanked him for the pleasure his problems have so often 
afforded me. 

Crossing the Atlantic, my thoughts are focussed straight 
upon Mr. H. W. Barry, undoubtedly the greatest genius that 
has for many a year arisen in the United States. But America 
cannot claim Mr. Barry as entirely her own, seeing that he was 
ushered into this world in the Emerald Isle, and under the 
British flag. Is Mr. Barry destined, like many another 
brilliant composer, to flash like a meteor across the Chessic 
sky and disappear forever? If not, and if he continues as he 
has begun, both in regard to quantity and quality of work, 
looking into the folds of the future, I see him occupying a 
place in public estimation bordering very near upon that now 
held by those marvellous men, Messrs. Samuel Loyd and W. A. 
Shinkman. 

Journeying to the Antipodes, I find in South Australia 
and in the person of Mr. Arthur Charlick, Australia's gayest 
and boldest Problem Knight. Its most finished artist is, 
however, I think, Mr. F. A. L. Kuskop, of New Zealand. But 
Mr. Charlick may acquire Mr. Kuskop's technique. Can the 
positions be reversed? 

Lastly, and coming back to this quarter of the globe, 
there is in the West Indies a composer whose work has about 
it the unmistakable ring of the true metal. He is Mr. 
Arthur P. Silvera, of Richmond, St. Mary, Jamaica. 

CONCLUDING REMARKS. 

One who has been as I have, so long and closely identified 
with the proceedings of the Problem World must from time 
to time have seen positions assumed and opinions expressed 
which did not commend themselves to his judgment, and in 
order to express here my own views with regard to some of 



xcii CHESS LYRICS 

these I have had to bring forward and contest those to which 
I have found myself opposed. Then, relying as I have had to 
almost entirely upon my menory, not only for illustrative 
diagrams, but also for facts and data, it is but natural that 
I should have dealt in the main with matters connected with 
my own problems, and used these as the text for my remarks. 
Nevertheless, I do not think it can be said that in a single 
instance the question introduced and discussed has been 
barren of interest or importance, and that the spirit of con- 
tention or the personal element has been unnecessarily present 
in these pages. 

If I have occasionally expressed myself with too much 
emphasis, the reader must blame my unbounded enthusiasm 
on behalf of the Art which I love so well, and which has been 
so great a solace and a comfort to me. If, on the other hand, 
I have at times rambled on or given inexpressive tongue to my 
thoughts, the difficulties under which I have laboured will, 
perhaps, be remembered, for this is more than a mere figura- 
tive "Talk with the Reader," since I have been speaking to 
him through my brother, who has written this at my dictation. 
And here let me say that since my loss of sight my brother 
has acted as my amanuensis, and that those who have done 
most for me in the way of reading and keeping me supplied 
with problems for the purpose of solution, etc., are my father 
(now in his eighty-first) and my mother (now in her seventy- 
seventh year). 

During my career I have been engaged, as was, perhaps, 
to be expected, in three or four literary controversies, on one 
or two of which occasions I fear my zeal may have carried me 
too far, and conveyed the impression that there is in my brain 
an undue developm.ent of that region where Phrenologists 
tell us " Combativeness " is to be found. If this means a 
readiness to resent what he believes a wrong, an impulse to 
defend with all the force at his command a position he believes 
to be right, then that impression has not been altogether 
incorrectly formed. But, be that as it may, all I can say is 
that I am sure there is more than a counterbalancing develop- 
ment in the region of "Benevolence," and, the tilting of 
literary lances over, I have been left with a sinking of the 
heart lest I should have said aught that might have caused my 
opponent pain, in the thought of which I have metaphorically 
given myself a good mauling. If these lines should meet the 
eyes of those concerned, I must ask them to believe this, to 



CHESS LTRICS xciif 

accept the assurance of my regret, to take the hand I now 
hold out, and to think of me as kindly as they did before the 
controversies were entered into. My day is surely nearing its 
close, and I would like to be at peace with all my brother 
problemists, the sound of the name of each of whom has, as 
the sight once had, something like a magnetic influence over 
me. 

A few more words about myself as a problemist. As a 
solver, I have had no prejudices whatever. I greatly admire 
self-mates, and find pleasure in "Twentieth Century Re- 
tractors," puzzles, and extravaganzas of all kinds. Yet these 
can never replace in my esteem the direct-mate, of which I 
dearly love the two-mover, have due regard for the four- 
mover, but find in the three-mover the happy mean of 
substantial and enjoyable mental pabulum. As a composer, 
perhaps the comparatively small number of my compositions 
may in some measure be explained in the fact that for the 
past twenty years or so I have not been physically strong, a 
condition which has grown worse year by year until it can 
now be said that I am the very antithesis of physically strong. 
The consequence of this has been that too often all life and 
energy have been crushed out of me, and I have required an 
incentive to nerve me into making an attempt at composing 
at all. That incentive I have found most in tourney competi- 
tions. Then, I have always placed before myself a very high 
ideal, and generally, in prospecting a position, if it does not 
give promise that pleases me, my interest in it soon ceases, and, 
with the loss of interest, follows the loss of energy, the result 
being that what in many cases a little more labour might have 
made a passable production is altogether abandoned. Of 
course, I am aware that exceptions are plentifully present 
throughout my problems, but what I have stated has been too 
much the rule with me, and my mind is the Hades of numbers 
of such blighted conceptions. But, when the position fills 
my fancy, never could composer be more absorbed in his 
work, never did composer find more delight in it. The fires 
within me seem to bum with a white heat; I am, as it were, 
metamorphosed into a new being, and temporarily enchanted 
out of my surroundings into others where the hunger of the 
heart is appeased and the thirst of the soul assuaged. And 
my heart has often hungered, my soul been at hirst; for I 
came into the Chess World at that period of one's life when 
one dreams bright dreams of the future, wreathes one's hopes 



xciv ZHESS LYRICS 

with fondest flowers, and these dreams soon faded, the 
flowers withered away — all save those associated with Chess, 
which dreams have become brighter and more bright, which 
flowers have bloomed fairer and more fair with the passing 
years. And thus has it been left to this glorious game, not 
only by means of its own fascinations, but in the joys incidental 
to my connection with it, its periodicals, its works, the many 
charming friends and correspondents it has brought me, to do 
so much towards transforming a Vv^orld dark and sad into a 
world bright and glad. 



Chess Lyrics 



1887-1905 



CHESS LYRICS 



No. J. 



Competitor in Mirror of American Sports, 1886. 



BLACK 



m 



^^^ 



wm^. m 




ii 



wa,..,^^^ Mw^A. 



y/////////A ^ 






mA 





M 



m „,lwi 



^^/.^^^^^^i$y,;^^^ 



^^ ili^ H Bl 



1 1^ la 



ii i 




White to mate in two moves. 



CHESS LTRICS 



No. I 



1. Qd8, 



SOLUTI 


ON 




Kf6; 


2. 


QxB mate. 


Ktf5; 


2. 


Kt g4 mate. 


QKtelse; 


2. 


QxKKt mate. 


Kt,e6; 


2. 


Kt d7 m.ate. 


KKtelse; 


2. 


QxQKt mate. 


BxP; 


2. 


RxB mate. 


BxR; 


2. 


BxB mate. 


Belse; 


2. 


QRe3 m.ate. 


Pc6; 


2. 


Qd6 m.ate. 



No better statement of the value of problem solving, and 
consequently no better introduction to these notes, can be quoted 
than a paragraph from a memoir of Steinitz in the Jamaica 
Gleaner, 1900, by Mr. Mackenzie himself. 

"One interesting trait in Steinitz's chess character was his 
warm admiration for and strong advocacy of problems, the 
' Poetry of Chess.' He was no composer himself, but a very 
expert solver; and on one occasion signalized his interest in the 
art by taking part in a problem solution tournament. This fact 
is worthy of passing notice, because there are those who affect 
' to see no good ' in problems, and depreciate their study on the 
hypothesis that it has a prejudicial effect on the power for play 
over the board. This is a most mistaken notion; for the very 
contrary is the fact, and the study of problems is bound to 
improve one's practical play. It will be generally found, however, 
and it is a rather curious coincidence, that those who preach that 
fallacious doctrine know nothing whatever of problems. They 
have never journeyed through the fairyland of problem lore ; 
nor, indeed, have they the capacity to understand or appreciate 
its delights. They are, in fact, so many chessical gradgrinds. 
With souls that cannot soar into the infinite of chess, they are 
dead to the spirit of its poesie. The homely aphorism 'you 
cannot make a silken purse out of a sow's ear' aptly fits their 
case; and when he who held the sceptre of the chess world for 
over a quarter of a century paid such high tribute to the charm 
and worth of problems, the apostles of that other faith may well 
be allowed to revel in the luxury of their own benighted belief." 



CHESS LTRICS 



No. 2. 

Competitor in Mirror of American Sports, 1886 
" Sunny South." 






ti 



WHITE 

White to mate in three moves. 



No. 3. 



Competitor in Montreal Gazette, 1887, 
"The Things we Love may Change." 




WHITE 

White to mate in two moves. 



CHESS LrRICS 



No. 2. 



Solution 



1. Qg8, KxKKt; 



KxQKt; 



threat ; 



2. RxKKtP+, Kd4; 

3. Rd6 mate. 

2. RxKKt P+, Ke4 

3. Rg4 mate. 

2. Ktc3, Kb4; 

3. RxQKtPmate. 

2. Ktc3, Kd4; 

3. Re4 mate. 

2. QxP, KxQKt; 

3. QxP mate. 

2. QxP, KxKKt; 

3. Qe4 mate. 



1. Qh8, 





No. 3. 


Solution: 


Ktc6; 


2. RbSmate. 


Ktd5; 


2. Kt e6 mate, 


Kt else 


2. Rc7, mate. 


Kd4; 


2. RgSmate. 


Bb4; 


2. Ra6mate. 



CHESS LYRICS 



No. 4. 

Fourth Prize in Illustreret Aret Om Toumey, 1886-7. 
"Tonjoursle Meme." 



^ 









i ■111 



m 4Mk 





■■mm, m 





% ww<-> Wltw mm^/ 

i iw HI fal 



^..-T./WZ/My gg^., 

1 I 




M 




^ 



White to mate in three moves. 



1 



CHESS LYRICS 



1. Be6, 



No. 


4. 


Solution: 


Kte5; 


2. Qc3+, KtxQ; 




3. BbGmate. 


Ke5; 


2. Kt d7+, KxB ; 




3. Qh3mate. 




2. Ktd?, Kd4; 




3. Qd3mate. 


Pf3; 


2. QxKt+, Ke3; 




3. Qd2mate. 


KtP any; 


2. Ktc6+, Kc5; 




3. QxKtmate. 


Ktb4, 


2. BxKt, Ke5; 




3. Bc3mate. 




2. BxKt, else; 




3. Qc3mate. 


Ktd8; 


2. Ktd7, Ktb4 




3. BbGmate. 




2. Ktd7,else; 




3. Qd3mate. 



However old may be the idea of giving mate diagonally 
with Q or B , while the other two diagonal squares are blocked by 
Black Knights — this mate is always a pleasing one ; and when as 
here the mate is duplicated on totally different squares and with 
the Black King beleaguered by a totally different set of white 
men, it lends to a problem a truly individualistic sparkle. 



CHESS LYRICS 

No. 5. 

176 Brooklyn Chess Chronicle, November, 1885. 
BLACK 




WHITE 

White to mate in three moves. 



No. 6. 

Contributed to Brooklyn Chess Chronicle, February, 1886. 



'wm, ^ wm 



i 









WHITE 

White to mate in three moves, 



CHESS LYRICS 



No. 5. 



1. Rd8, Pd5 



Kd5 



bOLUTIO: 

; 2. 


Rd2, BPxR 


3. 


Pc3 mate. 


2. 


Rd2,KPxR; 


3. 


Pe3 mate. 


s 2. 


RxP+, Kc6; 


3. 


Kt e5 mate. 


2. 


RxP+, Ke6; 


3. 


Kt c5 mate. 



No. 6. 

Solution: 

1. Qe6, Ke4; 2. QxKP+, KxQ; 

3. KfTmate. 
Ktd3; 2. Ktg4+, Ke4; 

3. QxKtPmate. 
Ktf3; 2. Ktc4+, Ke4; 

3. QxBPmate. 
threat; 2. QxKP+, KKte4; 

3. Kt g4 mate. 

2. QxKP+, QKte4; 

3. Ktc4mate. 

The chief merit of the position is the clever way in which 
cooks are prevented. The afterplay is pretty, but there is an 
unfortunate, although interesting, dual after 1,. . .Pe4; the 
intention was to continue 2. Qe5, which gives six mates on the 
third moves, but White may also move 2. QxKP+, offering the 
Queen to triple sacrifice. The great weakness of this problem, 
a weakness shared by all really symmetrical positions, lies in the 
obvious nature of the key-move. 



10 



CHESS LYRICS 



No* 7. 



Contributed to Jamaica Gleaner, 1886. 
BLACK 




WHITE 

Sui-mate in seven moves. 



No. 8. 



No. 396 in British Chess Magazine, January, 1887. 
BLACK 




WHITE 

Sui-mate in six moves. 



CHESS LYRICS 11 



No. 7. 

Solution: 

1. Rg7+, Ke8; 

2. Rg8+, Kf7; 

3. Kd6+, Ktd7; 

4. Ktf4+, RxQ; 

5. Ktg2, Pany; 

6. Kte3, Pany; 

7. Kd5, Rd4 mate. 



Solution: 

1. Rb7+, Kc8; 

2. Rb6+, Kc7; 

3. Rd7+, KxR; 

4. Rb7+, KcS; 

5. Qc2, R moves; 

6. Qf5+, Be6 mate. 



12 



CHESS LYRICS 



No. 9. 



1147 Detroit Free Press. 
BLACK 




WHITE 

White to mate in two moves. 



No. 10. 

Competitor in Elmira Telegram, 1882. 




WHITE 

White to mate in two moves. 



CHESS LTRICS 13 





No. 


. 9 


♦ 




Solution: 


Pc5, 


Kc4; 
RxQBP; 
Ke4; 
Pa4; 

Kt any ; 


2. 
2. 
2. 
2. 
2. 


Qc3 mate. 
Qd3 mate. 
Qe3 mate. 
Qb4 mate. 
Rg4 mate. 



No. 10. 



Solution: 


Qh7, Pg5; 


2. Qf5mate. 


Pf4; 


2. BxQmate. 


Bf7; 


2. QxB mate. 


Kt any ; 


2. Ktc3mate; 


Rc6; 


2. Rd4mate. 


Relse; 


2. Ktb6mate, 


QxB; 


2. QxQmate. 


Qelse; 


2. BxQmate. 



The competition in which this 2-er was entered was for 
positions restricted to the exact pieces here employed. 



14 



CHESS LYRICS 



No. \U 

From the unfinished Tourney of the Brooklyn Chess Chronicle. 1887. 
"Weary of Breath." 



BLACK 



\mm","-^^- 




Bl 




^^^ ^^j^^.,..™ » 




mi i ll 










■i. 



WHITE 



White to mate in two moves. 



CHESS LYRICS 15 



No. II. 

Solution: 

1. Qa2, QxQ; 2. Bg4 mate. 

Rb3; 2. BhSmate. 

Bf2; 2. RcSmate. 

Be3; 2. Rc2 mate. 

BxP; 2. Rc5mate. 

Pb4; 2. QaSmate. 

PxR; 2. QxPmate. 

PxKt; 2. KteTmate. 

PxP; 2. Be4mate. 



16 



CHESS LYRICS 



No. 12. 



Contributed to Northern Figaro, 1887. 



BLACK 



m iSi 






m 



^ 









4, 

m 



WHITE 







i mi. 



White to mate in two moves. 



CHESS LYRICS 



17 



A graceful two-mover, similar in strategy to the Kentish 
Mercury Prize Winner of 1898 (No. 135.); though the latter posi- 
tion is somewhat more elaborate and contains two knight mates 
which are here missing. 

A very interesting attempt to build a three move problem 
from this pretty two-move theme, occurs in one of Mr. Macken- 
zie's unsound entries in the B. C. M., Andrews Memorial Tourney. 
Were it not for an unfortunate cook by 1. Kt b2+, we should have 
an excellent three-mover, differing from the Brooklyn entry 
simply by the six added pawns. Besides having after 1, . . .Pg4 
a variation identical with the solution of the 2-er, there are in 
the 3-er several other interesting lines of play, notably when 
the W. R. is captured. Before deciding to be satisfied with 
clothing an idea in a given number of moves, especially in two, 
young composers, and many an experienced one too, cannot 
study too carefully the advantage of developing the idea in a 
longer mould. Nothing is more fatal to self-mate, as well as 
direct-mate strategy than the inartistic addition of a useless 
move or two to the solution of a problem, and indeed self-mates 
have not as yet shaken themselves quite clear of what was the 
universal failing of old-style direct mates. Nothing, on the 
other hand, is more pleasing than to find in a three or four move 
position, artistically blended with other lines of play, some clever 
theme which in two or three moves respectively is beginning to be 
over familiar. 



No* I2a. 



BLACK 




WHITE 

White to mate in three moves. 



18 



CHESS LYRICS 



No- 13. 

Competitor in Gazetta Litteraria, 1887-8. 

"Quis Separabit." 
Judges: E. Orsini, C. Salvioli, G. B. Valle. 



BLACK 





'*^ ill 



^.-^M 




£h 



m ■ 






V ""■* 



■IB ■ ta 



White to mate in three moves. 



CHESS 


LYRICS 19 


No. 


12. 


Solution: 


1. Qh6, KxR; 


2. Bb5 mate. 


PxR; 


2. QeGmate. ' 


Ktb5; 


2. BeGmate. 


Ktelse; 


2. QaGmate. 


Pb3; 


2. Rd4mate. 


No. 


I2a. 


Solution: 


1. QxP, Pg4; 


2. Qh6 


PxR; 


2. Qg8+ 


KxR; 


2. Bb5+ 


Kte8; 


2. Be8 


Kt else ; 


,2. Ktb2+ 


Also Kt b24- 




No. 


, 13. 


Solution: 


1. Qc5, Ke2; 


2. Qb5+, Kf3; 




3. KteSmate. 




2. Qb54-, Ktd3; 




3. QxP mate. 




2. Qb5+, KxKt; 




3. QxKtmate. 


Ke4; 


2. Ktf2, Kf3; 




3. Kt d4 mate. 


BxQ; 


2. Kte5+, Kd4; 




3. Bc3 mate. 




2. Kte5+, Ke2; 




3. BfSmate. 


KKtany; 


2. Qe3+, Kc4; 




3. Qd3mate. 


QKtany; 


2. Qd5+, any; 




3. Ba6mate. 


Although the judges rated this as the second best problem 


in three moves of the tourney, it was thrown out of contest 


because its companion two-mover was unsound. 



20 



CHESS LYRICS 



No. 14. 

First Prize, Northern Figaro, 1887-88. 
Judges: The Solvers. 



m 



mm. 
WM A i 



BLACK 




mi 



k 




a 



w/z/z/Z^/, <^////. 



wh'////^.^ '''/Z////// 



H^l 




WM^^ 









if k m fm 




White to mate in two moves. 



CHESS LYRICS 21 



No. 


. 14. 


Solution: 


1. Bb8, Be5; 


2. BaTmate. 


KB else; 


2. QxB mate. 


BxP; 


2. KtfSmate. 


Be8; 


2. QxB mate. 


Bd7; 


2. QdGmate. 


QBelse; 


2. KtcGmate. 


Rd5; 


2. PeSmate. 


Pa6; 


2. Qb6mate. 


Pa3; 


2. KtbSmate. 


Kt any ; 


2. QxPmate. 


Pe2; 


2. KtxKtmate, 



22 



CHESS LYRICS 



No. 15. 



Second Prize, Northern Figaro, 1887-8. 
Judges: The Solvers. 



BLACK 
















White to mate in three moves. 



CHESS LYRICS 23 



No. 15. 

Solution: 

1. Kth5, KxR; 2. Ktf6+, Kc4; 

3. KtdGmate. 
KtxR; 2. QxP+, KtxQ; 

3. Bc2mate. 
Re5; 2. Ktd6+, KxR; 

3. Ktf6mate. 
Be3; 2. BxP+, KxB; 

3. Kt g5 mate, 
else; 2. BxP+, KtxB; 

3. QdSmate. 

"The problem shares with several of Mackenzie's best pro- 
ductions the characteristic feature, that the principal threat is 
not readily perceived as such, and is by no means easy to work 
out. Here the obvious defences have equally obvious replies — 
except perhaps 1 . . . Kt xR, which gives occasion for a pretty 
Q sacrifice. But the threat continuation 2. BxP, which yields 
a rather commonplace result in other cases, is very piquant after 
1 . . . Be3, and gives rise to a pretty pin-mate. As for the key, 
though it is seen readily enough that the Knight at f4 must 
move, the right square for it is not likely to be found without 
some trouble." 

Professor Upendranath Maitra, Nov. 5, 1903. 



24 



CHESS LYRICS 



No. 16. 

Competitor in Northern Figaro, 1887-8. 
BLACK 




WHITE 

White to mate in two moves, 



No. 17. 

Competitor in Pen and Pencil Tourney, 1888, 
BLACK 




WHITE 

White to mate in two moves , 



CHESS LTRICS 25 



No. 


. 16. 


Solution: 


, KxR; 
Ktd6; 
Kte5; 
KKtelse; 
Kte4; 
QKtelse; 


2. 
2. 
2. 
2. 
2. 
2. 


Be4 mate. 
Rc5 mate. 
Kt e7 mate 
Qd7 mate. 
Bb3 mate. 
Qhl mate. 



No. 17. 

Solution: 

1. Qa7, Kg3; 2. Rg5 mate. 

Bg5+; 2. Re7mate. 

Kte4; 2. Rf5 mate. 

Ktf3; 2. Kte2mate, 

QKtelse; 2. Qf2 mate. 

KKtany; 2. Qe3 mate. 



26 



CHESS LYRICS 



No. 18. 

First Prize, Scottish Chess Association, 1888. 

"The Double Star." 

Judge: E. N. Frankenstein. 



BLACK 



i 



ih 




iB 






'^:^M. 




i Pi i .-. 

ii 




AVHITE 



White to mate in four moves. 



CHESS LYRICS 27 



No. 18. 



1. Qc8, Pb4; 



PxP; 



Ke4; 



Ke6; 



SOLUTIO 


n: 


2. 


BxP, Ke6; 


3. 


Qc4+, Kf5; 


4. 


Pg4 mate. 


3. 


Qc4+, KxKt; 


4. 


Qc8 mate. 


2. 


BxP, Ktd6; 


3. 


Ktf6+, Ke5; 


4. 


Bc3 mate. 


3. 


Ktf6+, Kd4; 


4. 


Qc3 mate. 


; 2. 


Ktf6+, Ke5; 


3. 


Bd4+, KxB; 


4. 


Qc3 mate. 


3. 


Bd4+, Kd6; 


4. 


Qd7 mate. 


2. 


Qc6+, Kd3; 


3. 


QxKBP+,KxP; 


4. 


Bb4 mate. 


2. 


Qc6+, Ktd5; 


3. 


QxKtP+, Kf4; 


4. 


Pg3 mate. 


; 2. 


Qe8+, Kd5; 


3. 


Pd4, any ; 


4. 


Kt f6 mate. 



28 



CHESS LYRICS 



No. 19. 



Second Prize in Second Tourney, St. John Globe, 1888. 
"While the Bloom is on the Rye." 
Judges: J. C. J. Wainwright, S. Loyd, W. A. Shinkman. 




i. 



:^, ^^^/i 




^ Yr 














WHITE 



White to mate in two moves. 



CHESS LTRICS 29 



1. Kth5, 





No. 


19. 




Solution: 


Ra2; 




2. 


RxR mate. 


Rbl; 




2. 


QxB mate. 


Bb7; 




2. 


QxB mate. 


Bc6; 




2. 


QxB mate. 


Bd5; 




2. 


Kt g3 mate. 


PxR; 




2. 


Qc4 mate. 


Kd5; 




2. 


Rf5 mate. 


Pd2; 




2. 


Rf4 mate. 


Pe5; 




2. 


Re3 mate. 


RxR; 




2. 


QxP mate. 


Rh6; 




2. 


Rf 1 mate. 


Kt any ; 


2. 


Kt xR mate 



"Something of the style of 'Hope's Gayest Wreaths.' Com- 
paring the two I consider this better. It soon becomes evident 
that the Kt must move. The construction is superior, and the 
subtle play of the Black develops more real variety. Both the 
problems look like Mackenzie's work. The character of either 
can be detected readily. They are both fine specimens of 
constructive skill." 

W. A. Shinkman. 



30 



CHESS LYRICS. 



No. 20. 



Sixth Best, Second Toumey, St. John Globe, 1888. 

"Hope's Gayest Wreaths are made of Earthly Flowers." 

Judges: J. C. Wainwright, S. Loyd, W. A. Shinkman. 



m ^ mm. 

m 




T^^ X SIP 

W//////A 



'////////T//. 

i is?^ 



if i ■^ISl 



w/////0^. 



'wm.'m'm 



m 





WHITE 



White to mate in two moves. 



CHESS LYRICS 



31 



No. 20* 



Solution 



1. Ktd7, 



Ke4; 

PxKt; 

Pf4; 

KKtany; 

KRb2; 

RxQ; 

QRb2; 

RxB; 



2. Re6mate. 
2. QxPmate. 
2. KxP mate. 

Kt e7 mate. 

Kt d2 mate. 

Ra6 mate. 

Rb6 mate. 

Kt el mate. 



"A fine conception elegantly rendered. It is not difficult, 
but very beautiful. Neither is the idea new, but taking every- 
thing into consideration, the result reached here is certainly a 
most happy one. A Pawn might have been saved in its con- 
struction by removing Black Pawns at d4 and c3, and adding a 
White Pawn at c3, but I prefer the picture as it is. The effect 
and action produced by the two Black Rooks is unique." 

W. A. Shinkman. 



32 



CHESS LYRICS 



No. 21 



2105 Dubuque Chess Journal, July, 1888. 








P 

^ ^« 



^, ^////// 



i 

■ ■ 



S////M 








White to mate in three moves. 



CHESS LYRICS 



33 



This little impromptu was contributed to Prof. Brownson's 
magazine as a solution to a task set in the May number. It was 
required to compose a problem containing the exact White and 
Black pieces and pawns which appear in the diagram. While 
doubtless many a fine problem has been composed, using these 
very same pieces, the simple nature of the eight problems by 
different composers in Brownson's well illustrates that it is rather 
foolish to try to build a problem with definite pieces instead of 
with a definite idea. Such exercises partake of the style of 
absurdities so far as merit is in general concerned — for where all 
the attention is centred on coercing a few given pieces into a 
sound position, little opportunity is left for developing any intri- 
cate combination of strategy. 

The present 3-er luiites a sacrificial line of play to a rather 
neat continuation when the B, K. moves — but no one will suppose 
that Mr. Mackenzie would have left the position in its present 
shape if he had been at liberty to introduce different pieces to 
stop the short threat or develop further variations. Apart from 
any interest of its own, therefore, this problem points a strong 
moral, which anyone who is fond of encouraging such curiosities 
cannot take too much to heart. 



No. 2 1 a. 



In Dubuque Chess Journal, July, 1888. 
BLACK 




WHITE 

White to mate in three moves. 



34 



CHESS LTRICS 



No. 22, 



Second Best Two-mover in Melbourne Congress Tourney, 1888. 
"See how the Fates their Gifts allot. " 



BLACK 



mm 




m^ 



y//////////. 









1 



i 




White to mate in two moves. 



CHESS LTRICS 35 

No. 21. 

Solution: 

1. Qf2, QxQ; 2. Rd4+, KxR; 

3. Bb6 mate. 

2. Rd4+, KxKt; 

3. Re4 mate. 
Kf4; 2. Ktg2+, Kf5; 

3. RxP mate. 



No. 2Ia* 

Solution; 

1. Kt^fe, KtxP; 2. Qh4+, KxQ; 
3. Ktf3mate. 
KxKt; 2. Qh8+, Ke7; 
3. QdSmate. 

2. Qh8+,Kg5; 

3. Qh4mate. 

No. 22. 

Solution: 

1. Qh6, KxR; 2. Be5 mate. 

KtxR; 2. Qb6mate. 

QKtelse; 2. Qe3 mate. 

Ktd3; 2. Rc4mate. 

Kte4; 2. Kt e2 mate. 

KKtelse; 2. Qf4 mate. 

Be5; 2. Bb6 mate. 

KB else; 2. QxB mate. 

QBany; 2 QxKB mate. 



36 



CHESS LYRICS 



No. 23* 



Contributed to Illustrated London News, 1888. 



BLACK 



P 

mm^^ i 




pi- HI 

m^m. ill 





111' 




my///////. 




V/, ^^^J 




^ ,,_ yy//////w. ' 




n i 













^ p 

1 mM^ 









WHITE 



White to mate in two moves. 



CHESS LTRICS 



37 



No. 23. 

Solution: 



1. Pe6, 



Rd7; 

QRxB 

BxP; 

RxQ; 

KRxB 

PxR; 

Pa3; 

Pb6; 

Pd2: 

Pe2i 

Kte4; 

Ktelse; 



2. RhGmate. 
2. Rd5mate. 
2. Kt xB mate. 
2. RfSmate. 
2. Qal mate. 
2. BxP mate. 
2. KtbSmate. 
2. Ktc6mate. 
2. Qc4 mate. 
2. QxKtmate. 
2. KtfSmate. 
2. Qf4mate. 



38 



CHESS LYRICS 



No^ 24. 



Fourth Prize, Wilkesbarre Record, 1888. 
"Fantasies that Fade." 
Judge: S. M. Joseph. 



Ill m 










.w, ^^ 



wyy 'Z<^/////M, 



A 

w/////^/.. 



% 





'%-""^— 




■mm/^'m. 



-^ 1 y////////// ■yZbTTTiy^, V/^^M 




w, </^////y/^,^ 5^^^^ 



1. 




1. 



k 



White to mate in two moves. 



CHESS LYRICS 39 



No. 24. 

Solution: 

1. Qh3, Bb2; 2. QxKt mate. 

Ktco; 2. Bc6mate. 

Ktd4; 2. KteSmate. 

Kt cl; 2. QxBmate. 

Ktelse; 2. Qd3 mate. 

Be4+; 2. Kt f5 mate. 

Bf3; 2. QxB mate. 

Bg2; 2. QxB mate. 

Pe5; 2. Bf7 mate. 

"There is some similarity of play in this problem and Mr. 
Mackenzie's other entry (No. 28) , but, in my judgment, the prize 
winner is much the superior position, but not the equal of the 
distinguished author's many other famous prize winners." 

S. M. Joseph (April 9, 1903). 



40 



CHESS LYRICS 



No^ 25. 



Second Prize, Sixth Tourney, Baltimore News, 1888. 

"For England, Home and Beauty." 
Judges: E. B. Cook, G. E. Carpenter, S. Loyd. 



III H 1 Bl 




1 .^ ^S^^^ ^«. 





'%y////A 



m 

'>y///////A 



^m 



y7T/^a^'6 



m %^wi 



WHITE 



White to mate in two moves. 



CHESS LrRICS 4X 



No. 25. 



Solution: 


. Qh2, QxKt; 


2. QhSmate. 


QxQ; 


2. KtxPmate. 


Rd8+; 


2. PxRmate. 


Rd5; 


2. Pe5mate. 


KRelse; 


2. QdGmate. 


RxKt; 


2. QxKt mate. 


QKtany; 


2. Ktc2mate. 


Ktc4; 


2. KtbSmate. 


KKtelse; 


2. RdSmate. 


Pf2; 


2. Kte2mate. 



42 



CHESS LYRICS 



No. 26, 



Competitor, Sixth Tourney, Baltimore News, 1888» 

"La Mascotte." 

Judges: E. B. Cook, G. E. Carpenter, S. Loyd. 









m 



■ 



m 



^V/7^///'. 



VA V/////// 




WfiM. 



■ 



ri^ 



I ■ 




WHITE 



White to mate in two moves. 



CHESS LTRICS 



43 



No. 26. 



1. Pc7, 



Solution: 


RxQ; 


2. 


Kt d8 mate. 


RxR; 


2. 


Kt a5 mate. 


PxR; 


2. 


KtxP mate. 


BxB+; 


2. 


KtxB mate. 


QRxB; 


2. 


Qhl mate. 


KRxB; 


2. 


Pg5 mate. 


Ktd4; 


2. 


Kt c3 mate. 


Kte3; 


2. 


Pf3 mate. 


Ktel; 


2. 


Qb4 mate. 


Pd2; 


2. 


QxKt mate, 


Pf5; 


2. 


Re5 mate. 



44 



CHESS LTRICS 



No. 27. 



Competitor, Sixth Tourney, Baltimore News, 1888. 

"Purity." 

Judges: E. B. Cook, G. E. Carpenter, S. Loyd. 

BLACK 




WHITE 

White to mate in two moves. 



No. 28, 



Competitor in Wilkesbarre Record, 1888. 

"There's a How-dy-do." 

Judge: S. M. Joseph. 

BLACK 




WHITE 

White to mate in two moves. 



CHESS LYRICS 



45 



1. Ktc8, 



No* 


27. 


Solution: 


KxR; 


2. QxKtmate 


Kd4; 


2. QdSmate. 


KtxR; 


2. Qa2mate 


Ktd3; 


2. Kte7mate 


Ktf6; 


2. Rd6mate. 


Pg5; 


2. QxKtmate 



No. 28. 



Solution: 


1. Qa6, Bb7(c6); 


2. QxB mate. 


Bd5; 


2. BxPmate. 


Kte3; 


2. Ktd2mate. 


QKtelse; 


2. Rf4mate. 


KtxR; 


2. Ktg3mate. 


Re7; 


2. QxB mate. 


Re6; 


2. QxRmate. 


Re5; 


2. Ktfe'mate. 


Pc3; 


2. Qd3mate. 


Pd3; 


2. QxPmate. 


Ph6; 


2. QgGmate. 



The mates are more numerous, but also more mechanical, 
than in "Fantasies that Fade" (No. 24), and the key is more 
readily apparent. Constructive skill is shown in the amount of 
work expected of each man, and in the absence of duals, and 
the pure mate when 1. , . . Kt xR is unexpected. 



46 



CHESS LYRICS 



No. 29. 



First Prize, ex aequo, Columbia Chess Chronicle, 1888-89. 
Judges: E. B. Cook, G. E. Carpenter. 

BLACK 



'~9kMkM 



^ '////////^. w/////m. ^!w%^ 



VA .•=' V///. 



"fm 





#1 



m 




WHITE 



White to mate in two moves. 



CHESS LTRICS 47 



1. Ktc6, 



No* 29. 



Solution : 


Rf2; 


2. Rc2mate. 


Rg3; 


2. RgGmate. 


Ktf2; 


2. Rc3 mate. 


Ktg3; 


2. RfGmate. 


Ktd6; 


2. Re5mate. 


Ktc5; 


2. Rd4mate. 


BxP; 


2. Kt xB mate. 


Pa4; 


2. Ktb4mate. 



A splendid example of Mr. Mackenzie's earlier manner. 
The entire absence of duals partakes almost of the marvellous, 
and the perfect balance of the play harmonizes most happily with 
the somewhat unusual and picturesque setting of the pieces. 



48 



CHESS LYRICS 



No. 30. 



Competing in Columbia Chess Chronicle, 1888-9. 
Judges: E. B. Cook, G. E. Carpenter. 



BLACK 



<^^^^ 
;^^^^ 






fMI 






■ 




■ 



'/M////^. 



m 



il 



'^:^M...mm.. 




White to mate in two moves. 



CHESS LTRICS 49 



No. 30* 

Solution: 

1. Rc4, RxP; 2. KtxRmate. 

Rd2; 2. Ra2inate. 

KRelse; 2. Pd4 mate. 

Rd5; 2. Re4mate. 

QRelse; 2. Rb5 mate. 

QxQ; 2. Rblmate. 

Qelse; 2. Qh8 mate. 

Kte6; 2. Kt f7 mate. 

Kte8; 2. RxR mate. 

Ph4; 2. Ktg4mate. 



50 



CHESS LYRICS 



No. 31. 



Honorable Mention, Columbia Chess Chronicle, 1888-9. 
Judges: E. B. Cook, G. E. Carpenter. 




m '<dm. 






!■ 



^^^^ 




m 



i 



'''/7^/0'a 



3 B L 

i . fe^i MJi mm, 



'///::j:''"'^, 

Ps^ 

^^5^ 






w/////yy^. 





9k 




White to mate in three moves. 



CHESS LTRICS 51 



No. 3J. 

Solution: 

1. Bd8, KxKt; 2. Rf3, PxB; 
3. Bc7 mate. 

2. Rf3, Kd6; 

3. Rb6 mate. 
Ktf6; 2. KBxP,KtxKP; 

3. QKtd3mate. 

2. KBxP,KtxKtP; 

3. KKtd3mate. 

2. KBxP, Ktelse; 

3. Rf2mate. 

2. KBxP, KxKt; 

3. Bc7 mate. 

2. KBxP, Kg5; 

3. Qcl mate. 
Pf6; 2. Kte6+,KxKt; 

3. RbGmate. 
Ktg3; 2. Rf2+,Ke3; 
3. Qd4 mate. 



52 



CHESS LYRICS 



No. 32. 



Competitor in Columbia Chess Chronicle, 1888-9. 

Judges: E. B. Cook, G. E. Carpenter. 

BLACK 




WHITE 

White to mate in three moves. 



No. 33. 



Version of Competitor in Columbia Chess Chronicle, 1888-9. 
BLACK 




WHITE 

White to mate in three moves- 



CHESS LYRICS 53 

No. 32. 

Solution: 

1. Qf4, KtxQ; 2. Ktd4+, Kd7; 
3. Bc6 mate. 

2. Kt d4+, K:e5; 

3. Bf6 mate. 
Kd5; 2. Kt e5+, KcS; 

3. KtdTmate. 

2. Kt e5+, Ke6; 
3- Qf6 mate. 

Kd7; 2. Qf5+, KxKt; 

3. QxKtmate. 

2. Qf5+, else; 

3. Qb5 mate. 

. QKt any; 2. Qd6+, Kf5; 
3. Qe5 mate. 

No. 33. 

Solution: 

1. Ktc4, KxR; 2. Ktd2+, KxB; 

3. Qh6 mate. 

2. Ktd2+, Kelse; 

3. Qg6 mate. 
Kd5; 2. Qc5+, KxQ; 

3. Rf5 mate. 
KtxR; 2. Qg6+, Kd5; 

3. Qc6 mate. 
Ktd6; 2. QxKt, KtxR; 

3. Bd3mate. 

2. QxKt, RxP; 

3. Ktd2mate. 

2. QxKt, Bc3; 

3. Rf4mate. 
threat; 2. Qb7+, Ktc6; 

3. QxKt mate. 



54 



CHESS LYRICS 



No. 34. 



Competitor in B. C. M., Andrews Memorial Tourney, 1888-89. 

Judges: S. Gold, C. Planck. 

BLACK 




WHITE 

White to mate in three moves. 



No. 35. 



Competitor in B. C. M., Andrews Memorial Tourney, 1888-89. 

Judges: S. Gold, C. Planck. 

BLACK 




WHITE 

White to mate in three moves. 



CHESS LYRICS 55 

No. 34. 



1. Bf8, 



Solution: 


Kd4; 


2. Qe3+, KxQ; 




3. Bc5 mate. 


Kte4; 


2. Qd6+,KtxQ; 




3. BgTmate. 




2. Qd6+, Kf6; 




3. Qf4mate. 


Kf6; 


2. Qe7+, Ke5; 




3. BgTmate. 


Ktd5; 


2. Bg7+, Ktf6; 




3. Qc5mate. 


Bb4; 


2. Bg7+, Kd6; 




3. QxB mate. 



No. 35. 



bOL 

. Qcl, RxP; 


UTIO 

2. 


'N: 
Qc4+, KxQ; 




3. 


KtxP mate. 


RxQ; 


2. 


Rg7, Ke5; 




3. 


Rg5 mate. 




2. 


Rg7,else; 




3. 


Rd7 mate. 


Pf2; 


2. 


Qhl+, Pf3; 




3. 


QxP mate. 


Pe2; 


2. 


QxP, any; 




3. 


Q mate. 


Kt any ; 


2. 


QxR, any; 




3. 


Q mate. 


PxR; 


2. 


QxP, any; 




3. 


Q mate. 



The P at a5, which was added at the suggestion of Professor 
Upendranath Maitra, prevents a cook by 1. RxKtP. The 
pinned Knight is necessary to stop 1. QxKt, Rb3; 2. Rg7, RxR. 
The key embodies a favorite form of strategy. 



56 



CHESS LYRICS 



No* 36. 



Honorable Mention, Munchener Neuesten Nachrichten, 1889. 

"Auf Immer." 

Judges: J. Kohtz, C. Kockelkorn. 



BLACK 



«- ^'^^ 



ksm 



i 



^'-^^ ^^M 





i 

w^^/A '///^wy//, 




White to mate in four moves. 



CHESS LTRICS 57 

No. 36. 

Solution: 

1. Qhl, KxKt; 2. Ba7+, KxR; 

3. Qh8, Pc5; 

4. Qa8 mate. 

3. Qh8, KxR; 

4. Qhl mate. 

3. QhS, BxR; 

4. QgS mate. 

3. QhS, Bc5; 

4. Qe5 mate. 

3. QhS, else; 

4. Qd4 mate. 

2. Ba7+, Kb3; 

3. Qbl+, any; 

4. Q mate. 

2. Ba7+, Kc3; 

3. Qcl+, any; 

4. Q mate. 

2. Ba7+, BxR; 

3. QxB+, any; 

4. QxP mate. 
RxR; 2. Bb2, BxR; 

3. Ktd2+, Kc2; 

4. Qcl mate. 
BxR; 2. Qcl, Pa6; 

3. Ktb6, Rc5; 

4. Qbl mate. 
Bg4; 2. KtxR+, Kc2; 

3. Qbl+, Kd2; 

4. Kt c4 mate. 

"The ending of this elegant problem is among the ideas which 
are always sure of a good effect, but its main variations have been 
seen so often, that they would require a thoroughly original or an 
eminently fine introduction to be successful in a tourney. Now 
the introduction has a good point, indeed, in the second move 
and in the relation that move has to one of the best variations, 
but unfortunately this move is a check. All the variations ex- 
cept the first one are derived from three different threats, nor is 
the introduction of the main play more subtle, the two officers 
sacrificed being already en prise." 

Judges' Report. 



58 



CHESS LYRICS 



No. 37. 



Honorable Mention, Munchener Neuesten Nachrichten, 1889. 
"Der Schmetterling." 
Judges: J. Kohtz, C. Kockelkorn. 







% " 



'mm. m 



J^/i^/^.^ ^%^^ 'MOCO^A 



if ■^fi 





m. 




i^J 



M. y////////M 

1)1 " 



WHITE 



White to mate in three moves. 



CHESS LYRICS 59 



No. 37. 

Solution: 

1. Ktf6, KxKt; 2. Bd2+, Kf5; 
3. Bg4 mate. 

2. Bd2+, KxB ; 

3. Qfl mate. 
Ktc5; 2. Bg4, KxKt; 

3. Bd2mate. 

2. Bg4, Ktd3; 

3. KKtdSmate. 

2. Bg4, Kte4; 

3. QKtd5mate. 

2. Bg4, else; 

3. Qe5 mate. 
KxB; 2. Qd4, Ktc5; 

3. Qf2mate. 
Ktany; 2. Qe5+, KxB; 
3. Qe4 mate. 



60 



CHESS LYRICS 



No. 38. 



Competitor in Munchener Neuesten Nachrichten Tourney, 1889. 

"Ich Warte." 

Judges: J. Kohtz, C. Kockelkorn. 

BLACK 




WHITE 

White to mate in three moves. 



No. 39. 

Contributed to Norwich Mercury. 1888. 
BLACK 




WHITE 

White to mate in two moves. 



CHESS LTRICS 61 

No. 38. 



JTIO 

2. 


n: 
KtxQP+, Kg5; 


3. 


QxP mate. 


2. 


KtxQP+, Kelse; 


3. 


Qa8 mate. 


2. 


KtxKP, KxP; 


3. 


Qb8 mate. 


2. 


KtxKP, Kd4; 


3. 


QxP mate. 


2. 


Qa8+, Ke5; 


3. 


Qe4 mate. 


2. 


Qe8+,Kd5; 


3. 


Qe4 mate. 


2. 


Qe8+, Kf4; 


3. 


Qe3 mate. 



1. Ktc5, Kf4; 

Pd2; 

Kd5; 
PxP: 



A very attractive 3-er, combining a double, or echo, render- 
ing of a favorite mate. The problem was constructed on purpose 
to illustrate this theme, one of the so-called Bayersdorfer's 
themes, A. Bayersdorfer having offered a prize for the best 
rendering. 



No. 39. 



1. Kte7, 



Solution: 


RxQ; 


2. RxPmate. 


RxR; 


2. QxB mate. 


Ke5; 


2. Rc5mate, 


Be5; 


2. Kte6mate. 


B else; 


2. QxB mate. 


Pd5; 


2. KtxRmate, 


Rb6; 


2. Rcl mate. 


Rc5; 


2. Rd3mate. 


RxR; 


2. Qd6mate. 


Qe2; 


2. RxR mate. 


QxP; 


2. Ktf3mate. 



62 



CHESS LYRICS 



No. 40. 



Second Prize, Leamington Chronicle, 1889. 
Judges: The Solvers. 



■ 





■^^j^ 



i 'mm. 



m mM 




1 iJ?J 



m 4m 



m ^m. mm.. 

^ ^fc ^mM^ 




m 



'^^A*^^^ ^/^^A 



i. 



WHITE 



White to mate in two moves. 



CHESS LTRICS 



63 



1. Qfl, 



No. 


40* 


Solution: 


Rg7; 


2. QxB mate. 


Relse; 


2. QxKtmate 


QKtany; 


2. QxPmate. 


Kte5; 


2. Ktf4mate. 


KKtelse; 


2. Qf5mate. 


Pb4; 


2. Qc4mate. 


Pd3; 


2. QxPmate. 


Be4; 


2. Ba2mate. 


Belse; 


2. QxB mate. 



No. 40a. 

By J. Rayner. 

BLACK 




WHITE 

White to mate in two moves. 



1. Qh2. 



This problem has some points in common with the First 
Prize winner by Mr. Rayner, which may well be reproduced 
here, for the benefit of young students, as it is reminiscent of 
some other of Mr. Mackenzie's earlier problems, and shows how 
different composers develop similar themes. 



64 



CHESS LYRICS 



No- 4U 

Competitor in Bradford Observer Budget Tourney, 1889, 
Judges: C. Planck, J. Rayner. 



wm. 





^ ^^^J 




i 



' ^'mm 






'Z^y w/z/z/y//. 



'mm m,^ 




m. 




WHITE 



White to mate in three moves. 



CHESS LYRICS 



65 



No. 41. 



Solution: 



1. Bd6, QKt xR; 



2. Qa6, KtxR; 

3. Qa2mate. 

2. Qa6, KxR; 

3. QxKtmate. 

2. Qa6, QKt else; 

3. R mate. 

2. Qa6, KKtany; 

3. Qc4 mate. 

2. Kte7+, KxP; 

3. Pf8 (Kt) mate. 

2. Kte7+, Kd4; 

3. Ktf5mate. 

2. Qa8+, Kany; 

3. Rb4mate. 

2. Qel+, Kf3; 

3. Kth4mate. 

2. Qel+, Kd5; 

3. Rc5 mate. 

2. Rc5+, KxR; 

3. Qhlmate. 

2. Qa4, Ktc4; 

3. QxKt mate. 

2. Qa4, Kte5; 

3. RxKt mate. 

2. Qa4, else; 

3. Ktmate. 



In 1890 this problem was awarded the 6th Prize in the 
Dubuque Chess Journal Tourney for selected Problems. This 
was some justification of the author's claim that it deserved to 
stand higher among the Bradford Observer problems, and that 
he had good reason to remonstrate at finding even among the 
prize winners many inferior positions. 



KKtxR; 

KxQR; 
KxKR; 

Ktc4;^ 

Ktd7, 
threat ; 



66 



CHESS LTRICS 



No* 42. 

Honorable Mention in Manchester Weekly Times, 1889. 
"All in a Hurry." 




//■/y/^ 




ill 



sa'« ^ 





i ^.S'j ^« 





ii i^iii 














mi 








1. 



White to mate in two moves. 



CHESS LTRICS 



67 



No. 42. 



Solution 



1. Qg4, 



Ktb2; 

KtxKt; 

Ktc5; 

Ktb6; 

Rg2 

Rd7 

Re6 

Pg5 



2. Re5mate, 
2. Qc4 mate. 
2. RdGmate. 
2. QKtxRmate. 
2. QxKtmate. 
2. QxRmate. 
2. QxRmate. 
2. PxRmate. 



68 



CHESS LYRICS 



No. 43. 



Sixth Prize, ex aequo, Northern Figaro, 1888-9. 
Judges: A. Bolus, E. N. Frankenstein, T. B, Rowland. 

BLACK 



m wim 



* "^m, mm.. 



Wy ^^^ jMJ 




mm. m 









^ y////////A 



WHITE 



White to mate in two moves. 



CHESS LYRICS 69 



1. 



No. 


. 43. 


Solution: 


, Rc4; 


2. RdSmate. 


QRelse; 


2. Qb4mate. 


RxKt+; 


2. RxRmate. 


Re4; 


2. KtfSmate. 


KRelse; 


2. Qf4mate. 


QxQ; 


2. Ktc6mate. 


QxKt; 


2. QxB mate. 


Pa5; 


2. Kt b5 mate. 


QKtany; 


2. Qc5 mate. 


KKtany; 


2. KtxPmate, 


Pf2; 


2. QxPmate. 


Be5; 


2. Bf2mate. 


Belse; 


2. QxB mate. 



One solver remarked of this position: "A chef-d'oeuvre. 
Much of the setting is quite fresh to me; I back this for First 
Prize so far. The near try 1. Qe8 met by 1 . . . Re4 nearly 
caught me." And yet one of the judges only gave the problem 
37 points out of a possible 100. 



70 



CHESS LYRICS 



No. 44 



Third Prize, ex aequo, Conversazione della Domenica, 1889-90. 
"Beware of the Black Rook." 
Judge: Carlo Salvioli. 



pll 



M 



VM, '/, 





m. 

i 

"1 



i-ftd^'^ M. m 





I 



#■_ ill 
iif iSl 



i%. . W/////^-. 



■^^ — 




1. 



m 



White to mate in two moves. 



CHESS LYRICS 71 



1. Qbr 



No. 44. 



Solution: 


RhU; 


2. QxRmate. 


RxQ; 


2. RxPmate. 


QBany; 


2. QbTmate. 


Kt any ; 


2. Kt c3 mate. 


Pd3; 


2. QxPmate. 


Bd8; 


2. Rc5mate. 


Bf8; 


2. Ktf6mate. 


RPany; 


2. KtbGmate. 


Pe5; 


2. QBxPmate, 


BPany; 


2. Qf5mate. 


PxP; 


2. KtxPmate. 



72 



CHESS LYRICS 

No* 45. 



Competitor in Conversazione della Domenica, 1889-90. 

"Weich wie Seids." 

Judge: Carlo Salvioli. 

BLACK 




WHITE 

White to mate in two moves. 



No. 46. 



Tenth Best, Northern Figaro, 1888-9. 

Judges: A. Bolus, E. N. Frankenstein, T. B. Rowland. 

BLACK 




WHITE 

White to mate in two moves. 



1. Qf8, 



1. Pg4, 



CHESS LYRICS 73 



No. 45. 



Solution: 


RxQ; 


2. KtxPmate. 


Rc7; 


2. QxBmate. 


Ktc4; 


2. Ktc2mate. 


KtdS; 


2. KtbSmate 


KKtelse; 


2. Qb4mate. 


Pb5; 


2. Qc5 mate. 


Pc5; 


2. KtbSmate, 


PxP; 


2. QdGmate. 


Be5; 


2. BeSmate. 


B else ; 


2. QxB mate. 



No. 46. 



bOLI 


jtion: 


KxR; 


2. 


Bd6 mate. 


PxR; 


2. 


Qc3 mate. 


Ktd6; 


2. 


Bc3 mate. 


KKtelse; 


2. 


Qc7 mate. 


QKtany; 


2. 


KtxP mate. 


Pe2; 


2. 


Pd4 mate. 


RxP; 


2. 


Re4 mate. 


Relse; 


2. 


Kt g6 mate, 



74 



CHESS LYRICS 



No. 47. 



First Prize, Sunny South, 1890. 
Judges: B. G. Laws, G. E. Carpenter, J. Rayner. 



BLACK 



mm^. m 



i 




m 






y/777777//, »-s«-» 'y'mm^A '- — ' 



■ 



i 



■m. 



White to mate in three moves.. 



CHESS LTRICS 75 



No. 47. 

Solution: 

1. Be7, Kd5; 2. Qe6+, KxQ; 

3. BfTmate. 
Kd3; 2. Bg6+, Kc4; 

3. Qe6 mate. 
PxR; 2. KBxP, any; 

3. Ktc3mate. 
Bc2; 2, Pf3+, Kd3; 

3. KBxPmate. 
PxP; 2. KtxP+, KxP; 

3. Bc5 mate. 

2. KtxP+, Kd5; 

3. QgSmate. 
Pg2; 2. Qf5+, Kf3; 

3. Bh5 mate. 
KKtany; 2. Pf5+, Kany; 
3. Qd4mate. 

Students of composition may well profit by a careful study 
of this problem, not the least feature of which is the skill with 
which the tries (e. g. Bd4, Bd6, Kt b2, etc.) are circumvented. 



76 



CHESS LYRICS 



No. 48. 



Third Prize, Sunny South, 1890. 
Judges: B. G. Laws, G. E. Carpenter, J. Rayner. 



BLACK 



B 



.. Ill 

M €^i 



'''/T?^////. 



m. 



il 



''///777r7//y 




^P ^ 

■ "^H 



m \ 
i, ...Jmmm 
m mm 



White to mate in three moves. 



CHESS LTRICS 77 



No- 48. 

Solution: 

1. Bf6, KxR; 2. Qd7+, KxQ; 

3. RdSmate. 

2. Qd7+, Kc5; 

3. Qc6 mate. 
BxR; 2. Rc6+, KxP; 

3. Qhl mate. 
Kc4; 2. Qe4+, Kc5; 

3. Rc6 mate. 
Pc6; 2. Qa7+, KxR; 

3. RdSmate. 

2. Qa7+, Kc4; 

3. Qd4mate. 
PxR; 2. Qb7, any; 

3. Qb5 or c6 mate. 
Ktb4; 2. QxP+, Ktc6; 

3. QxKtmate. 
Ktb3; 2. Qc2+, KxR; 

3. Qc6 mate. 



78 



CHESS LTRICS. 



No. 49. 



Fifth Prize, British Chess Magazine, 1890. 
"Frankenstein, pierce Miles!" 
Judges: E. N. Frankenstein, "W. T. Pierce, J. A. Miles. 




^^^^ 



m 





11 




^ y//77?7////. 'W/MVa 




m 



-'aTv/M. 



^ 



WHITE 



White to mate in two moves. 



CHESS LTRICS 79 



No. 49. 





Solution: 


. Qgi, 


Rf2; 


2. Qal mate. 




RxQ; 


2. KtfSmate. 




QKt any ; 


2. Qc5 mate. 




B any; 


2. RxPmate. 




Pb4; 


2. Ktc4mate. 




Pe6; 


2. Pf6mate. 




Pf3; 


2. QeSmate. 



"I suppose the motto of this position and that of No. 50 
must stand as they originally appeared, but I would like to say 
here that the play upon the judges' names is an achievement of 
which time has not helped to make me very proud." 

A. F. M. 



80 



CHESS LYRICS 



Seventh Prize, British Chess Magazine, 1890. 
"Miles, pierce Frankenstein!" 
Judges: E. N. Frankenstein, J. A. Miles, W. T. Pierce. 



/^////////z /^///////A '^^^^^^ f ' S'Z 'm . ^ 

i 













^ 



5^^^^ 





• ^ 






^< 



# ^=^ ^W^i. 




WHITE 



White to mate in two moves. 



CHESS LTRICS 81 



No. 50. 

Solution: 

1. Bc7, Rf2; 2. QxB mate. 

RxP; 2. KtxRmate. 

RxKt; 2. Pf4mate. 

Bd4+; 2. Rb4mate. 

KB else; 2. QxB mate. 

Bh7; 2. KtxPmate. 

Kte3; 2. QxKt mate. 

KtxR; 2. Rd5mate. 

QKtany; 2. Kt c6 mate. 



82 CHESS LTRICS 

No. 51. 

Competitor in British Chess Magazine, 1890. 

"Pops of Sillery." 

Judges: E. N. Frankenstein, J. A. Miles, W. T. Pierce. 

BLACK 




WHITE 

White to mate in two moves. 



No. 52. 



Competitor, Sunny South, 1890. 
Judges: B, G. Laws, G. E. Carpenter, J. Rayner. 

BLACK 




WHITE 

White to mate in three moves, 



CHESS LYRICS 83 



No. 51. 



1. Rb4. 



Soi 


:.ution: 


Re5+; 


2. 


Bc5 mate. 


Re7; 


2. 


QxB mate. 


Relse; 


2. 


Qe6 mate. 


Kd5; 


2. 


Kt f6 mate. 


Pf2; 


2. 


Bg2 mate. 


KtxR; 


2. 


Kt c3 mate. 


Bd5; 


2. 


Qd3 mate. 


Bb7,c6; 


2. 


QxB mate. 



No. 52. 

Solution: 

1. Qcl, RxP; 2. QxP+, RxQ; 

3. Rd4mate. 

2. QxP+, KxQ; 

3. Rf3mate. 
PxR; 2. Rf3+, KxP; 

3. Qc6mate. 

2. Rf3+, Ke2; 

3. Re3 mate, 
threat; 2. Qfl+, Pe2; 

3. QxPmate. 

Two very pretty puzzling mates that rated an average 
problem in tourney. Contains the germ of a masterpiece. 



84 



CHESS LYRICS 



No. 53. 



Second Prize, Ninth Tourney, Dubuque Chess Journal, 1890. 
Judges; F. M. Teed, J. S. D. Hopkins, H. Schramm, J. D. Hoban. 



i Wm. 








y//////y>^. 



»l 



Wa #j55^ mMA 



111 



v/w///''''''' m 






fjm. 





w. mm.,^ mm, 




White to mate in two moves. 



1. Qa2, 



CHESS LTRICS 85 



No. 53. 



Solution: 


RxB; 


2. QaSmate. 


RxQ; 


2. Pc4mate. 


Re5; 


2. Pd5mate. 


Re8+; 


2. PxRmate. 


Relse; 


2. Qe6mate. 


Pel; 


2. RxPmate. 


Pf3; 


2. Rg4mate. 


Pf5; 


2. KtgSmate, 



KtPany; 2. KtxP mate. 



86 



CHESS LYRICS 



No* 54. 

Fifth Prize, Dubuque Chess Journal, Tenth Tourney, 1890. 

Judges: P. F. Harvey, C. H. Wheeler, B. W. LaMothe, J. S. D. Hopkins, 

J. L. Foumier, E. Woodward, J. D. Hoban. 









W> V/777777/// V/////// 

■mm, M. 




'^'^^'v/z/Z'. 

















ih 




WHITE 



White to mate in three moves. 



CHESS LYRICS 87 



No* 54* 

Solution: 

1. Qe8, Ktd5; 2. Rc4+, Kt d4 
3. Ktd6mate. 

Ktc4; 2. Ktc3+, Kd4 

3. Rd5 mate. 

QKtelse; 2. Qg6, RxQ; 
3. Bd5 mate. 

2. Qg6, else; 

3. Qg2mate. 
RxQ; 2. Bd5+, KtxB; 

3. Rc4mate. 
Pd6; 2. QxR. 

The tourney in which this problem (a version of No. SS 
in "Chess: Its Poetry and Its Prose") was honored was open to 
selected problems. Mr. Mackenzie also won First Prize, with 
No. 8 in "Chess: Its Poetry and Its Prose," and Sixth Prize, with 
No. 41 above. 



88 



CHESS LTRICS 



No* 55* 



Fourth Prize, Bahn Frei, 1890-91. 
"Gossamer Webs." 
Judge: W. A. Shinkman. 



BLACK 




%\ 





<^//////^y. 





m. '^B 



ill 111 




wm 




'<& 'mm 



Wjm W^y// y/z/i^y/, 

« pi M 








WHITE 



White to mate in two moves. 



CHESS LYRICS 



89 



No* 55. 



1. Kte4, 





Solution: 


QxB 


2. 


Rf7 mate. 


QxQ 


; 2. 


Kt dl mate 


RxB 


; 2. 


Pf4 mate. 


RxP 


2. 


Kt a4 mate. 


Rc8; 


2. 


RfS mate. 


Rc6; 


2. 


PxR mate. 


Rg7; 


2. 


Pd6 mate. 


BxP 


^; 2. 


KtxB mate. 


Ph5; 


2. 


QxP mate. 



"Bad key-move; otherwise it contains much that is good 
and enjoyable. The constructive skill displayed and the 
character of its variety remind one of Mackenzie's work." 

W. A. Shinkman. 



90 



CHESS LYRICS 



No. 56. 

Competitor in Bahn Frei, 1890-91. 

"Is its Beauty but a Bubble?" 

Judge: W. A, Shinkman. 




WHITE 

White to mate in three moves. 



No. 57. 

2115, Dubuque Chess Journal, July, 1888. 



BLACK 




WHITE 

Sui-mate in five moves. 



CHESS LYRICS 91 



No. 


. 56^ 


Solution: 


1. Bc4, RxQ; 


2. Ktd3+, Kd4; 




3. Be5mate. 




2. Ktd3+, Kf6; 




3. Bh4mate. 


Ktc3; 


2. Qd4+,KxQ; 




3. KteGmate. 


Kf6; 


2. Qd6+,Kg5; 




3. Qg6mate. 


KKtany; 


2. Ktg6+, Kf6; 




3. QdSmate. 


else ; 


2. Kth5+, any; 




3. Qd5mate. 



"The opening is weak, but the after play is fine and of a high 
order, the mating positions resulting from the defences: 
1. Kt c3 and RxQ being pure and beautiful. The cut off, when 
QKt defends, is an interesting feature. One of the black Kts 
might have been saved by transferring the other to a4." 

W. A. Shinkman. 



No. 57. 

Solution: 



1. Kta6+, Kb3; 

2. Kta5+, PxKt; 

3. Rb8, QxR; 

4. BxP+, Kany; 

5. Qc4+, KtxQ mate. 



92 



CHESS LYRICS 



No. 58. 



Competitor in Illustrated American, 1890-1- 
"Bric-a-Brac." 
Judges: F. M. Teed, O. F. Jentz. 



BLACK 




m. ^M 



'wm'"'if"m 



■^iff?>777^>. my///?//. 



•"//////yy/ y/////////A 




M. 






^...^...#j5s^ 



iifi 









1. «, 









White to mate in three moves. 



CHESS LTRICS 93 



1. Bf4, 





No^ 58. 




Solution: 


KxR 


; 2. 


Qd4+,KxQ; 




3. 


RxKt P mate. 




2. 


Qd4+, Kf3; 




3. 


Qe3 mate. 


Pf5; 


2. 


Re3+, KxB; 




3. 


Kt d5 mate. 


Pg5; 


2. 


Re3+, KxB; 




3. 


Qd4 mate. 


Ktany; 2. 


QxP+, Kte3; 




3. 


QxKt mate. 


Pc2; 


2. 


RxQP+, KtxR 




3. 


QxKt mate. 




2. 


RxQP+, KxR; 




3. 


Qd4 mate. 


Pd2; 


2. 


QxP,Ktg2; 




3. 


QxKt mate. 




2. 


QxP, KxR; 




3. 


Qe3 mate. 



94 



CHESS LYRICS 



No. 59. 



Competitor in Illustrated American Tourney, 1890-1. 
"Emblem of Purity." 
Judges: F. M. Teed, O. F. Jentz. 
BLACK 




WHITE 

White to mate in two moves. 



No. 60. 



"Competitor in Illustrated American, 1890-1. 
"That's the Long and the Short of It." 
BLACK 




WHITE 

White to mate in two moves. 



CHESS LTRICS 



95 







No- 


59. 






Solution: 


1. Qg2, 


KxR 




2. Qd5mate. 




PxR 




2. KteSmate 




Pd3; 




2. Rb4mate. 




Bh7; 




2. BxPmate. 




Pf6; 




2. QxB mate. 




BxB; 




2. KtxPmate 





No. 


60. 




Solution: 


. Qdl 


KxR; 


2. KtcTmate 




Ktb4; 


2. Rc5 mate. 




Ktc3; 


2. Kt a3 mate 




Ktcl; 


2. Qa4 mate. 




Ktc6; 


2. QbBmate. 




Pd2; 


2. Qflmate. 



96 



CHESS LYRICS 



No* (yU 



From Pictorial World, Feb. 14. 1891. 



BLACK 



M I^B 




IMI 



^^^r^-^ 



mi mi mi i 

■ fil 



ii PI 



M ^ 'mm V- 
wm 1 



%^y^y. ''^/S^/. m^i PJS^ 

^^^^ W////M W////M o ^ 



ii 




iM 



White to mate in two moves. 



' CHESS LTRICS 



97 



This position, with the W. Q. at c7 and W. R. at e8, was 
entered for competition in Bahn Frei, 1890-91. The cook (Pb7) 
which destroyed its soundness then, is eliminated in the present 
version. The W. P. at b6 prevents a cook by BxKt P+; and 
that at f6 a quadruple mate when 1 . . . Rf4, The absence of 
duals is characteristic of Mr. Mackenzie's skill of composition. • 

To show the treatment of a remarkably similar idea we 
quote this two-mover from the Bradford Observer, Sept 30, 
1893, some two years after Mr. Mackenzie's problem was pub- 
lished. The five top ranks of Mr. Blake's position correspond 
exactly with those of Mr. Mackenzie, while the lower three are 
simplified at the cost of a couple of variations. The manner in 
which the W. K. is utilised to prevent duals, in Mr. Mackenzie's 
problem when 1. . . Bd.5+ and in Mr. Blake's when 1. . . Rd4+» 
is interesting. 



P. F. Blake. 

BLACK 




WHITE 

White to mate in two moves. 
1. Kth6. 



98 



CHESS LYRICS 



No. 62. 



Pictorial World, August 29, 1891. 



BLACK 



-^fT^^^TTf^. ^yyy/yy/yy/^, y^'^ttt^^ -^^ 

i 





lei 



Bi 






%^^^^ ^^?j wm^/, 
WM WM. MiM M 






■////7//. 



White to mate in two moves. 



CHESS LTRICS 99 



No. 


6U 


Solution: 


Qc8, Bd5+; 


2. Ktc4mate. 


B else; 


2. QxB mate. 


Rf4; 


2. BxPmate. 


Rd4; 


2. BxPmate. 


KRelse; 


2. Qg4 mate. 


Rb4; 


2. QxB mate. 


QRelse; 


2. Qc4mate. 


Pc2; 


2. QxPmate. 


Ktd2; 


2. KtxPmate. 


PxP; 


2. Ktf2mate. 


Pg5; 


2. Qf5mate. 


No. 


6Z 


Solution 


Qb4, KxR; 


2. RdGmate. 


Kfl; 


2. QfSmate. 


Kte2; 


2. RfSmate. 


Ktelse; 


2. Qelmate. 


Pe5; 


2. RfGmate. 


Pg4; 


2. Qf4mate. 



100 



CHESS LTRICS 



No* 63. 

Jamaica Gleaner, 1891. 
BLACK 




WHITE 

White to mate in two moves. 



No. 64. 

Jamaica Gleaner, 1891. 
BLACK 




WHITE 

White to mate in three moves, 



CHESS LTRICS 



101 



"It will be seen that the ideas of these two problems are 
the same. The addition of the White B. enables Mr. Mackenzie 
to get a much better key for his position, a point in which 
Steinweg's problem does not excel; but, of course, the use of an 
extra piece renders the miniatvire less remarkable from the point 
of view of smallness in size." 

Mr. Max J. Meyer in Brighton and Hove Society. 



No* 64a* 



By R. Steinweg. 

Quoted in Brighton and Hove Society, 1904. 

BLACK 




WHITE 

White to mate in three moves. 
1. Kc6. 



102 



CHESS LYRICS 



No. 65. 



Christmas Column, Jamaica Gleaner, 1891. 



y////^///// 'y/////////// V/^™'<''/^'^ '<//// 

'////////y//. ^mymy, y///////7/.„ 





■ mw 



W'y. %^3 "T,,,.^^^ 



^^T^^y. 






y///////^. 



^^y 









How shortly can White mate ? 



CHESS LYRICS 103 



No- 63. 

Solution: 

1. Rf6, KxB; 2. Re6 mate. 

Kf4; 2. Qh4mate. 

B any ; 2. Pc3 mate. 



No. 64. 

Solution: 

1. Ba7, KxB; 2. Pc8(R), Ka6; 

3. Ra8 mate. 



No. 65. 

Solution: 

White is in the act of taking a BB on g8 with his P, and has 
just picked up the B to do so. He therefore completes his move 
by putting his P on g8 claiming a Kt mate. 



104 



CHESS LYRICS 



No^ 66. 



No. 822, Jamaica Gleaner, 1892. 
BLACK 




WHITE 

White to mate in two moves. 



No. 67. 



No. 830 Jamaica Gleaner, 1892. 
BLACK 



mm 



im. 



mm m 



W/' Z'^^^^A 



WHITE 

White to mate in two moves. 



CHESS LTRICS 105 



No. 66. 



Solution: 


. Rc3, Pe4; 


2. Kta4mate, 


Pf6; 


2. Pg6mate. 


Kte7; 


2. QxPmate. 


Pf3; 


2. RxPmate. 


threat ; 


2. QhTmate. 



No. 67. 



1. Pf5, 



Solution: 


Pd5; 


2. PeSmate. 


Be5+; 


2. RgSmate. 


Ke5; 


2. KtcGmate, 


Bh8; 


2. QxB mate. 


Belse; 


2. Qf6mate. 



Considering the flight square opened to the Black King, the 
two mates by discovery are most ingeniously conceived. The 
other three mates are very slight, and one is inclined to regret 
that the cooks could not have been parried without the interfer- 
ence of the White Pawns on the sixth row. 



106 



CHESS LYRICS 



No* 68. 



First Prize, Fifth Tourney, St. John Globe, 1892. 

"Koko Tells me So." 
Judges: B. G. Laws, W. Gleave, W. E. Perry. 



BLACK 



^ 1 



1 



km 



^ (/rTTr/TTTTA 



1 




m *^^ ^5M 'wm^^. "'MMf'. 

— ^ - Mi 111 4 

. ill III i 



ill m, m 





mmP% 









1^ ^ 



White to mate in two moves. 



CHESS LYRICS 107 



1. Bc8, 



No. 68. 



Solution: 


Ktfl; 


2. Qal mate. 


Kte4; 


2. Kt (13 mate. 


Ktf5; 


2. Re6mate. 


Kth5; 


2. RxKtPmate, 


PxR; 


2. RfSmate. 


Pg5; 


2. Rh6mate. 


Pb3; 


2. Qc3mate. 


BxP; 


2. KtxPmate. 


Belse; 


2. KtdTmate. 


Pf3; 


2. QxKtmate. 



108 



CHESS LYRICS 



No. 69- 



Second Prize, St. John Globe, Fifth Toumey, 1892. 

"If that's your Idea, you're wrong." 

Judges: B. G. Laws, W. Gleave, W. E. Perry. 







lai 



m <^h^/>. 






m,. 



A 

,^//////^/. 







m i 

m 



m. 



w/z/zM. 



iS 



g 1^^ 



White to mate in two moves. 



CHESS LYRICS 109 



No. 


69^ 


Solution : 


1. Kh3,BxKP; 


2. Bf2mate. 


BxKt; 


2. RdGmate. 


Bc7; 


2. KtcGmate. 


RxP; 


2. Qf4mate. 


Rc4; 


2. Qglmate. 


QRelse; 


2. Rb4mate. 


Pa5; 


2. Ktb5mate. 


Pd2; 


2. QcSmate. 


BxBP; 


2. KtxB mate. 


QBelse; 


2. Rh4mate. 


Kt any ; 


2. KteGmate. 



The Black K. B.P. prevents a cook by 1. Re6. 



no 



CHESS LYRICS 



No. 7a 



Fifth Prize, Fifth Tourney, St. John Globe, 1892. 

"Scented Showers." 
Judges: B. G. Laws, W. Gleave, W. E. Perry. 















BLACK 










B1.H H 


■ 








B B H Bi 










i ^ I ^ 


'^///////A 










^^m ^^m i^^ mi 


iM 






















B B B 1 


m 










*B H H 












H H H 1 


m 
w 








WHITE 















White to mate in two moves. 



CHESS LYRICS 



111 



1. Rg6, 



N. 


3* 70* 


Solution: 


Ktd7; 


2. PxKtmate. 


Ktd5; 


2. KtdTmate. 


Kte4; 


2. Pd4mate. 


Ktelse; 


2. Qc5 mate. 


Pc2; 


2. Bb2mate. 


Bd6; 


2. QxKtmate. 


Belse; 


2. QcTmate. 


Rf5; 


2. KtfTmate. 


Relse; 


2. Rg5mate. 



The White B. P. prevents a cook by 1. Bb7. 



112 



CHESS LYRICS 



No. 71. 



Ninth Prize, Fifth Tourney St. John Globe, 1892. 
"Light Artillery." 
Judges: B. G. Laws, W. Gleave, W. E. Perry. 






■ ■ 



m m ■ 6 ■ 



^^/////////. 




Va 



B 









^ W////////. 







a mi 



White to mate in two moves. 



1. Qcl, 



CHESS LTRICS 113 



No. 71. 



Solution: 


KxR; 


2. 


Pg8 (Kt) mate 


Ktf5; 


2. 


Re6 mate. 


Kte4; 


2. 


Kt g4 mate. 


QKtelse; 


2. 


Qg5 mate. 


KtxR; 


2. 


Qc7 mate. 


KKtelse; 


2. 


Qf4 mate. 


Pd3; 


2. 


Oc3 mate. 



114 



CHESS LYRICS 



No. 7Z 



Competitor in Fifth Tourney of St. John Globe, 1892. 

"Poor Me." 

Judges: B. G. Laws, W. Gleave, W. E. Perry. 

BLACK 




"WHITE 

White to mate in two moves. 



No. 73. 



Competitor in Fifth Tourney of St. John Globe, 1892. 

"A Single Specimen." 

Judges: B. G. Laws, W. Gleave, W. E. Perry. 

BLACK 




WHITE 

White to mate in two moves. 



CHESS LTRICS 115 



No. 72. 



bOL 

. Qh3, KxR; 


UTIO 

2. 


n: 
Qb3 mate. 


KtxR; 


2. 


Qf3 mate. 


Pe5; 


2. 


Kt eS mate. 


Pd6; 


2. 


Kt b6 mate, 


Ktelse; 


2. 


Qd3 mate. 



No. 73. 



1. Re3, 



Solution: 


KxR; 


2. Qf2mate. 


BxR; 


2. QhSmate. 


Pb3; 


2. Rd3mate, 


Pc3; 


2. Re4mate. 


QPany; 


2. Qe5mate. 


Pg4; 


2. Qf4mate. 


Belse; 


2. Qd2mate. 



116 



CHESS LYRICS 



No. 74 



First Prize, First Tourney, Pittsburgh Dispatch, 1892. 

"Placidity." 
Judges: S. Loyd, J. C. J. Wainwright, S. M. Joseph, 













'y///////y/ 



i^: 



pi Hi m 

''mm. ^ m 








'/M Y^///////^/. 

m 



'■^m 




ii^aB m 



White to mate in two moves. 



I 



CHESS LYRICS 117 

No. 74. 



Solution: 


2. 


Qa2, any; 


3. 


Qg8 mate. 


2. 


QxP, any; 


3. 


Og8 mate. 


; 2. 


Rc7, Kf4; 


3. 


Rc4 mate. 


2. 


Rc7, Kg3; 


3^ 


Rg7 mate. 


t; 2. 


QxR, Ktd4; 


3. 


QxKt mate. 


2. 


QxR, else; 


3. 


QxR mate. 


2. 


Ktf2+PxKt; 


3. 


Rg3 mate. 


2. 


KtxPKtxKt; 


3. 


Qe4 mate. 


2. 


Rc4+Ktd4; 


3. 


Qe4 mate. 



1. Bh7, Pb2; 
Pa3; 
RxQ 

RxKt 

Rel; 
Rd2; 
Pb4; 



" I admired the Pittsburgh problem on accotint of the clever 
handHng of a bold and unique theme. It is safe to say that few 
who solved it saw that the key move threatens nothing beyond 
preventing the capture of the White Queen! That is about the 
limit of its merits, as there is such paucity of attack that it can be 
solved at a glance — and the little features work themselves out 
afterwards, when one comes to appreciate the absence of duals." 

Sam Loyd. (June 11, 1903.) 

"This is surely the Queen of Beauty in all the field of 
chivalry. It opens with an exquisitely artful key-move followed 
by an automatic ' shut-off ' of the guardian Bishop, both charm- 
ing and original. This makes a master variation. 

The construction is artistic and of delicate adjustment, 
though White's force is somewhat redundant. Upon the whole 
difficulty is subsidiary to beauty, but the entire scheme unrolled 
strikes one as making this problem the loveliest and freshest gem 
of the whole galaxy." 

J. C. J. Wainwright. 

"Contains a subtle key move with an original and superb 
main play, and is admirably worked out from first to last — being 
more beautiful than intricate, however." 

S. M. Joesph. 



118 



CHESS LTRICS 



No. 75. 



Fourth Prize, First Tourney, Pittsburgh Dispatch, 1892. 

"Knotted and Combined." 

Judges: S. Loyd, J. C. J. Wainwright, S. M. Joseph. 



W////M 




1 '^'^-^ fei E#i 



WM. 





w////////. co'////y//^. 



mm «^ m 



k 



Wa ^..:mm. 



White to mate in three moves. 



CHESS LTRICS 119 

No. 75. 



Solution: 


1. Qa3, RxQ; 


2. 


Ktb6, KxR; 




3. 


QKt d7 mate. 




2. 


Ktb6, KtxR; 




3. 


Bg3 mate. 




2. 


Ktb6, else; 




3. 


KKt d7 mate. 


KxKt; 


2. 


Rd6+, Kc4; 




3. 


Bd3 mate. 




2. 


Rd6+, Ke5; 




3. 


Bg3 mate. 


Rb4; 


2. 


Rf5+, Ke4; 




3. 


RxP mate. 




2. 


Rf5+, Kd6; 




3. 


QxR mate. 


KtxR; 


2. 


Qe7+, KxKt; 




3. 


Bf7 mate. 



" 'Knotted and Combined,' which is evidently a twin sister 
to ' Placidity,' contains a similar theme, is an excellent problem, 
showing conscientious work and a thorough famiUarity with the 
essentials of first-class composition." 

S. Loyd. 

"An admirable position; construction on grand lines, and 
strong in conception. The mating coups are numerous, pure, 
and harmonious to the general design, no duals, and desperately 
difficult. The key-move, by taking the black pawn, is less of 
a detriment than the threatened mate on the move, which latter 
is the only weighty defect of this splendid problem." 

J. C. J. Wainwright. 

" It is much to be regretted that this really fine and difficult 
problem should have such a poor key move; the construction is 
excellent, the design is deep and not easih^ seen, a masterpiece 
heavily handicapped in the opening." 

S. M. Joseph. 



120 



CHESS LTRICS 



No* 76. 



Illustrated London News, December 24, 1892. 
BLACK 




WHITE 

White to mate in two moves. 



No. 77. 



Honorable Mention in London Schoolmaster, c. 1892. 

"Firefly." 

BLACK 




White to mate in two moves 



CHESS LYRICS 



121 



1. Ktf7, 



1. Pb3, 



No. 


76. 


Solution : 


KxR; 


2. BxPmate. 


Ke4; 


2. Qbl mate. 


KtxR; 


2. KthGmate. 


Pe4; 


2. Rg5 mate. 


No. 


77. 


Solutions 


Kte7; 


2. QPxKtmate 


Kte5; 


2. KteSmate. 


Ktd4; 


2. Be4mate. 


QKtelse; 


2. QfSmate. 


Kte6; 


2. QxQKt mate 


KKtelse; 


2. BfTmate. 


Rc5; 


2. Ktb4mate. 


Relse; 


2. RbSmate. 



122 



CHESS LYRICS 



No. 78. 



P'irst Prize, British Chess Magazine, 1892. 

"Picture of Purity." 

Judges: G. Hume, J. S. Russell, J. Keeble. 



if 






A 







'"mi 










Mm 



■mm^'wm 



^ ^/////////. 




White to mate in three moves. 



CHESS LTRICS 123 



No. 78. 



Solution : 


-; 2. 


QxP+, Ke6; 


3. 
2. 
3. 


Bg4 mate. 
QxP+, Kc4; 
Be2 mate. 


!; 2. 

2. 


Qb3+, Ke4; 
Bc2 mate. 


2. 


Bb3+, Kf5; 


3. 
2. 
3. 


Qd3 mate. 
Qbl+, Kd5; 
Bb3 mate. 


^ 2. 


Ktb6+, Ke4; 


3. 
2. 


Qbl mate. 
Ktb6+, Kelse; 


3. 
2. 
3. 


Qd7 mate. 
Qc6+, Kc4; 
Be2 mate. 



1. Qb5, Kt fl 

Ktf3 
Ke6; 
Ke4; 
KtxP; 

Pb6: 



" Five perfectly pure mates, three of them being pure 'mir- 
ror' mates, added to pleasing play throughout, an artistic 
position, and perfect freedom from duals, mark this out as pre- 
eminent for beauty and excellence of construction, beside which 
the slightly weak key, and the fact of all White's second moves 
being checks, sink into insignificance." 

G. Hume. 



124 



CHESS LTRICS 



No. 79. 



Second Prize, British Chess Magazine, 1892. 

"Rashly Importunate." 
Judges: J. S. Russell, G. Hume, J. Keeble. 



BLACK 



■ " 



-mi- 




mi 



m 
m mm. 






i ^1 III w^ 
■m%m. -mm. . wm ^ 

iiSl 



w^^^my. '^//////0^. 



/4>A^ ^.^i 

9/A * mm. 'mm. 'mm 
'mm. 'mm>. ^^ i 

^' j^^^ mm/A 




White to mate in three moves. 



CHESS LTRICS 125 



No* 79. 


Solution: 


2. 


Qc4+, PxQ; 


3. 


Kt b5 mate. 


2. 


Qf4+,KxQ; 


3. 


Kt d3 mate. 


2. 


Qf4+,Ke6; 


3. 


Qf5 mate. 


1; 2. 


Kt f3+, KtxKt 


3. 


Qe3 mate. 


2. 


Ktf3+, Kd3; 


3. 


QxKt mate. 


2. 


Bg7, Pany; 


3. 


Pe6 mate. 


2. 


QxP+, Kc5; 


3. 


Kt d3 mate. 



1. Qcl, PxP; 
KxP: 

Ktd2; 

Pf5; 
Pb2; 



"The double sacrifice of the Queen, followed in each case by 
a beautiful mate, is excellent. The other variations are of a 
more average character, and the short mate is annoying." 

G. Hume. 



126 



CHESS LYRICS 



No. 80. 

Sixth Best, British Chess Magazine, 1892. 

"Triple Extract." 

Judges: J. S. Russell, G. Hume, J. Keeble. 



1 





WW ■ 

m 



ih 



m mm 



w. ^ W//M, 

i ^ 'mm 




mmi'''-^''m. 




m. ' 




^ili 







Pj^^ ''Mm/A^^ 





WHITE 



White to mate in three moves. 



CHESS LYRICS 



127 



No. 


80. 


Solution: 


L. Rdl, Kt+B; 


2. Qe5+, KtxQ; 




3. Ktc5mate. 


KxKt; 


2. Qe4+,KxQ; 




3. Kt el mate. 


R+R; 


2. Ktc7+, BxKt; 




3. Bb3 mate. 


Kte5; 


2. QxKt+, Kd7; 




3. Ba4mate. 


other ; 


2. Kt c5+, KtxKt 




3. Bf5 mate. 



"Key in good style as also are the double sacrifice of the 
Queen and the play of the Knight. The dual continuations 
slightly discounts it." 

G. Hume. 



128 



CHESS LYRICS 



No. 81. 



Second Prize, British Chess Magazine Novelty Tourney, 1892. 

" Ratiocination." 

Judges: G. Hume, J. S. Russell, J. Keeble. 



^» ^ ^^ 



mi 




'wim. 






ih 



m 



i 






ih 




■ ■ 



Y//////////, V//////////. 

m 




i. 



White to mate in two moves. 



CHESS LYRICS 



129 



"I had little difficulty in selecting Ratiocination and 
Curiosite as the best two, but to decide which' of them should 
stand first required much consideration. Both are very fine 
specimens, the one of the 'block,' and the other the 'threat' 
genus. Ratiocination is the more complex, with more variety 
and a somewhat less obvious key-move, while Curiosity has the 
advantage of a flight square and is slightly ahead in the purity 
of mating positions. Its great charm, however, is in the sym- 
metrical Knight-play. The composer of Ratiocination appar- 
ently started with an equally symmetrical theme with Rooks, 
purposing a Black R on d8, but unfortunately had to abandon 
this part of his idea to secure soundness." 

G. Hume. 



No* 8Ia* 



K. Stal. First Prize. 

"Curiosite." 

BLACK 




WHITE 

White to mate in two moves. 
1. Bc8. 



130 



CHESS LTRICS 



No. 82. 



Competitor in English Mechanic, 1892. 
"Sweet Violets." 
Judges: J. A. Miles, J. Keeble, W. T, Pierce. 

BLACK 




WHITE 

White to mate in two moves. 



No. 83. 



Competitor in English Mechanic, 1892. 

"Shadow of a Shade." 

Judges: J. A. Miles, J. Keeble, W. T. Pierce. 

BLACK 




WHITE 

White to mate in two moves. 



CHESS LYRICS 



131 



No. 81. 



1. Rg2, 



Solution: 


Rb5; 


2. RxRmate. 


Rc5; 


2. KtbGmate 


Kt any ; 


2. Rd7mate. 


Re5; 


2. Ktf4mate. 


Rf5; 


2. RxRmate. 


Rh5; 


2. QxRmate. 


Rdl; 


2. RxRmate. 


Rd3; 


2. RxRmate. 


Rd4; 


2. KtxPmate. 


PxKt; 


2. Pe4mate. 


PxQ; 


2. RxRmate. 


BxR; 


2. QxB mate. 


No. 


82. 


Solution: 



1. Qb8, KxR; 2. Qbl mate. 

KtxR; 2. QcSmate. 

Kf6; 2. QfSmate. 

Ktelse; 2. Kt gS mate. 

"A problem with a clever key-move and four good varia- 
tions. The defences 1 . . . KtxR, 1 . . . KxR and 1 . . . 
Kf6 lead to fine mates, especially the first named. Another 
mate is given with the Knight and it is a pity in this case that the 
Queen is out of play. Altogether the problem is a capital one." 

J. Keeble, February 21, 1904. 

No. 83. 



Solution: 


KxR; 


2. QfTmate. 


KtxR; 


2. QfSmate. 


Kt else 


2. Qf5mate. 


Pd3; 


2. KtcTmate. 


Pc3; 


2. Qa2mate. 



1. Kta6, 



"A problem in some respects similar to No. 82. The Key 
move is not so good, being a give and take arrangement, and the 
defence 1 . . . KtxR is not so well provided for. The mates 
caused by the moves of the B. P's are pretty and well arranged." 

J. Keeble, February 21, 1904. 



132 



CHESS LYRICS 



No. 84. 



Competitor in unfinished tourney of American Chess Monthly, 1892-3. 
"Psyche." 



BLACK 



i 




1 






m^ 



PI 





^.^.™^ 






■mm. % 




j^ 9y/////M of^^TT?^, j^ 




li 



White to mate in two moves. 



CHESS LTRICS 133 



No. 84. 



1. Qe4, 



Solution: 


Kb7; 


2. RbSmate. 


BxP+; 


2. ReSmate. 


Bb6; 


2. Rd4mate. 


Ktb5; 


2. RdSmate. 


PxP; 


2. RxBPmate. 


Bb7; 


2. Qc4mate. 


KB else; 


2. KtdSmate. 


PxKt ; 


2. RxB mate. 



An interesting problem, whose place in the award, had one 
been made, would have been instructive. The key is easily seen 
from the flight square open to the Black King — but it is the best 
that could be chosen, as on it depends the main variation 1 , . , 
BxP+. This, and the four other mates by the QR are cleverly 
introduced, while the Black pieces are placed with the graceful 
ease of a skilled hand. The inactivity of White's KR is unfor- 
tunate. 



134 



CHESS LYRICS 



No* 85, 



First Prize, Dublin Herald, 1893. 



BLACK 







y//////^.. 




y/j <^/////////., 



m 

Pi fc i Pi 




'/T^////. 



fMl 



mm m 



White to mate in three moves. 



CHESS LYRICS 135 



No. 85. 



1. Qa8, 



So] 


:.ution: 


KxR; 


2. 


Ktc2+, KxB; 




3. 


Qa2 mate. 




2. 


Ktc2+, Ke5; 




3. 


Bc7 mate. 


PxB; 


2. 


Bc7+, KxR; 




3. 


Kt c2 mate. 


Pf4; 


2. 


Qe4+, KtxQ; 




3. 


Rd5 mate. 


Kte4; 


2. 


Qd5+, Kf4; 




3. 


BxP mate. 


Pb4; 


2. 


Pe3, KtxKP; 




3. 


BxKt mate. 




2. 


Pe3, Pf4; 




3. 


RxP mate. 




2. 


Pe3, Ktd5; 




3. 


QxKt mate. 



136 



CHESS LYRICS 



No* 86. 



From First Prize Set — Scholastic Globe — Counties Chess Association, 1893. 
"Hero and Leander." 
Judge: Jas. Stent. 



BLACK 






■mm^ mm m 











i #^ 






m fi 



wm^. 



m m 6 



White to mate in two moves. 



CHESS LYRICS 



137 



No* 86. 



1. Ba3, 





Solution: 


Ktd3; 


2. Ktf3mate. 


KtxP; 


2. Kte2mate. 


Ktelse; 


2. Rd2mate. 


Bd7 




2. QxPmate. 


Rd7 




2. KtxP mate. 


Bb2 




2. BxB mate. 


Bc3, 




2. QxB mate. 


Pa5; 




2, KtxKtPmate 


Pb4 




2. Rc4mate. 


Pd5 




2. Bc5 mate. 


P€5; 




2. Qe3mate. 



138 



CHESS LYRICS 



No. 87. 



From First Prize Set — Scholastic Globe — Counties' Chess Association, 1893. 

"Hero and Leander." 

Judge: Jas. Stent. 



m 



^^^^^^^^p 



m 



^ m/////^. 








i 



i'W 



1 ^^?i^ ... Pj^M ^BJ 



H ■ I 



■■ ■■ i 



vmm^/. 



^ 



WHITE 



White to mate in three moves. 



CHESS LTRICS 139 



No. 


, 87. 


Solution: 


1. Ra4, Ke3; 


2. 


Kt b3+, K any 




3. 


Kt d4 mate. 


Pfl; 


2. 


Qc3+,KxQ; 




3. 


Be5 mate. 


Ktd6; 


2. 


Qc5+, KxQ; 




2. 


Ba7 mate. 


KKtelse; 


2. 


Ba7+, Ke5; 




3. 


Qc7 mate. 


PxR; 


2. 


Ba7+, Ke5; 




3. 


Kt c4 mate. 


PeS; 


2. 


Ktf3+, Ke4; 




3. 


Qc6 mate. 




2. 


Ktf3+, PxKt; 




3. 


Rh4 mate. 



140 



CHESS LYRICS 



No. 88* 



No. 286, Pittsburgh Dispatch, 1893. 
BLACK 




WHITE 

White to mate in two moves, 



No. 89. 

Contributed to New Orleans Times Democrat, 
BLACK 




WHITE 

White to mate in two moves, 



CHESS LYRICS 141 





No. 88. 




Solution: 


1. Qa8, 


KxKt; 2. Qalmate, 




B any; 2. Qh8 mate. 




KKtany; 2. Qb8 mate. 




QKtany; 2. Kt c6 mate. 




Pg3; 2. KtfSmate. 




Pf4; 2. Qe4mate, 




No. 89. 




Solution: 


1. Qd7, 


Kc4; 2. Qa4mate. 




Pc4; 2. QaTmate. 




Pe3; 2. Pf5 mate. 




Ke3; 2. Bgl mate. 




Ktany; 2. Kt f5 mate. 



142 



CHESS LYRICS 



No. 90. 



First Prize, New Yorker Staats-Zeitung, 1893-4. 
"The Marble Heart." 
Judge: F. M. Teed. 



BLACK 







'mm ^i^i ^'^m ^ m 




•Mi 







'^^. i 







m 'mm, 

m 



v/yy. /////////'/. 



1 ^MMm. i 
i 








'm. 





WHITE 



White to mate in three moves. 



I 



CHESS LYRICS. 143 



No. 90. 

Solution: 

1. Qb4, QxQ; 2. Rg7, Ke5; 

3 KReTmate. 

2. Rg7, Kf6; 

3. Rg6mate. 
KKtxQ; 2. Bd4, KtxB; 

3. QReTmate. 

2. Bd4, else; 

3. Rf6mate. 
Pf3; 2. BxKt, any; 

3. QRe7mate. 
threat; 2. QxQP+, KxQ; 
3. RxKt mate. 

The White Pawn, which originally stood at e2,is unnecessary. 
It was meant for use in the variation 1, . . .Pf3; 2, Bf5+, Kd5; 
3, Pe4 mate; but 2, BxKt answers as well. 



144 



CHESS LYRICS 



No* 9L 



Honorable Mention in New Yorker Staats-Zeitung, 

" Nimmermehr." 

Judge: F. M. Teed. 



J-4. 



V7//////A 



Hi 
■a 



y///////M, 




^y//y////y/.,_ 



Pi 





m^ 





^ '^/////////. 



m #jS^,. 



'y/y//////A 



^ 



1 "...^ 





^y///y/yyj ^yyyyy/Vy^ 



"- 1 





Wy 








WHITE 



White to mate in three moves. 



CHESS LTRICS 145 



No* ^u 



1. 



Solution: 


:, Kd5; 


2. 


Bf6, KxP; 




3. 


Kt e5 mate. 




2. 


Bf6, Pe2; 




3. 


Kt a5 mate. 


Pe2; 


2. 


Qf3+,KxQ; 




3. 


Kt e5 mate. 


KtxP; 


2. 


Qfo+,KxQ; 




3. 


Kt e7 mate. 


Ktc3; 


2, 


Kt e5+, KxB ; 




3. 


Kt f3 mate. 




3. 


Kte5+, Ktd5; 




3. 


Qd3 mate. 


QKtelse; 


2. 


Kt e5+, KxB ; 




3. 


Qal mate. 



"The key is most unexpected and exceedingly subtle. It 
is the prelude to a genuine master-stroke upon 1, . . . Kd5. 
The defense is very fine, especially that of the Q. Kt.; while the 
defence 1 , . . . KtxP will be found also most effective in ward- 
ing off cooks. The closeness of 1. Bd8 and 1. Bc5 further em- 
phasizes the key's worth. The mates are classical and original; 
and taken altogether this is a beautiful conception, masterfully 
rendered. The very nature of the theme makes alternate Knight 
discoveries in some minor variations of no importance and 
naturally to be expected." 

H. W. Barry. 



146 



CHESS LYRICS 



No. 92. 



Honorable Mention in New Yorker Staats-Zeitung, 1893- 4. 

"Dream of Gold." 

Judge: F. M. Teed. 

BLACK 




WHITE 

White to mate in two moves. 



No. 93. 



Competitor in New Yorker Staats-Zeitung, 1893-4. 
"The Grand Mogul." 
Judge: F. M. Teed. 

BLACK 




WHITE 

White to mate in two moves. 



CHESS LYRICS 147 



1. Bc3, 



No. 


92. 


Solution: 


BxP; 


2. Rd4mate. 


Bf4+; 


2. ReSmate. 


B else; 


2. KtgSmate. 


QKtany; 


2. Kt e3 mate. 


KKtany; 


2. KtxPmate. 


PxP; 


2. KtxPmate. 


Pe6; 


2. Rc4mate. 


Pg3; 


2. QRh4mate. 


Pf6; 


2. Kt PxP mate. 


Ph6; 


2. PxP mate. 


Rany; 


2. QxPmate. 



"A very good key, emphasized by the try 1, Bf4. The 
two blocks of the Bishop are famiHar, but not in connection with 
the additional two discoveries by the same Rook, as in this prob- 
lem! Examination of the construction will show that the 
variations connected with the Rook at h5, the Knight at c8 
and the Knight at g6 are not the result of artificial superfluous 
variation-grafting, but are really necessitated by the construc- 
tive exigencies of the main theme." 

H. W. Barry. 



No. 93. 



Solution: 


1. Bg8, Rg4; 


2. 


Re8 mate. 


Re4; 


2. 


Rd5 mate. 


KRelse; 


2. 


Qf4 mate. 


RxBP; 


2. 


QxR mate. 


QRelse; 


2. 


Kt b5 mate. 


KtxR; 


2. 


KtxKt mate. 


KtxP; 


2. 


KtxKt mate, 


KKtany; 


2. 


Kt e2 mate. 


Pe2; 


2. 


Qf2 mate. 


Pc6; 


2. 


Qd6 mate. 


B any; 


2. 


Rd3 mate. 



148 



CHESS LYRICS 



No. 94. 

Second Honorable Mention, Munchener Neuesten Nachrichten, 1893-94 
" Was Gilt's?" 
Judges: J. Kohtz, C, Kockelkorn. 








y////////A '— ' v/wz/y/, — ' W////////A — 

//////////// //////y////y ^//yjy/y///y 



VA y//////y 




fm^. 




White to mate in three moves. 



CHESS LTRICS 149 



No- 


94. 


Solution: 


1. Qa7. RxQ; 


2. Rg4,KxKt; 




3. RgGmate. 




2. Rg4,else; 




3. Rf4mate. 


Rd3; 


2. QxR+,KxQ; 




3. RfSmate. 


Ktc5; 


2. QaU, Rd4; 




3. QxRmate. 


Ktf3; 


2. Qe3, any; 




3. Qmate. 


threat ; 


2. Qf2+, Ktf3; 




3. QxKtmate. 



"Both this problem and No. 95 begin by the sacrifice of the 
Queen, what we call in German 'Ablenkungsopfer.' By the idea 
of their main play they are nearly related, only the parts played 
by a Bishop and a Castle being interchanged. They both have 
a very good variation, besides the main-play. They are, how- 
ever, more conspicuous for elegance than difficulty, partly owing 
to the obvious threats of the key-moves." 

C. Kockelkom (December 21, 1903). 



150 



CHESS LYRICS 



No. 95. 



Second Honorable Mention, Munchener Neuesten Nachrichten, 1893-94. 

" Vergiss Mein Nicht." 

Judges: J. Kohtz, C. Kockelkorn. 



BLACK 



mi 




^m 




11 H ^, m ill 



m 




y i^ 



^1 ^ 




mm ^Bm * ^^ ^ 

,_ ill 

^« ft mm 

i "^ ill ,^ 

^« ft «» mm 

m 



i 



wmwA 








WHITE 



White to mate in three moves. 



CHESS LYRICS 



151 



No. 95. 



Solution: 


QRxQ; 


2. 


PdG, Pe3; 




3. 


PxP mate. 




2. 


Pd6, else; 




3. 


Rd5 mate. 


KRxQ; 


2. 


Bg5, any; 




3. 


Be3 mate. 


Rc7; 


2. 


QxP+. 


Ktd7; 


2. 


Ktg7, KtxQ; 




3. 


Kt e6 mate. 




2. 


KtgT, KtxR; 




3. 


QxKt mate. 




2. 


KtgT, Ktf8; 




3. 


Kt f5 mate. 


threat; 


2. 


RxP+, KxR; 




3. 


Qe5 mate. 



152 



CHESS LTRICS 



No. 96, 



Competitor in Third Tourney of London Chess Monthly, 1893-4. 
"Prickly Cactus." 
Judges: Sir J. O. S. Thursby, Hon. J. C. St. Clair. 







m 



m m^m ,■ 



^, W////M jw/M. #Si 






White to mate in two moves. 



CHESS LYRICS 153 



No. 96. 



Solution: 


QKtxKP; 


;2. 


Pb5 mate. 


Ktd4; 


2. 


QKt c3 mate. 


KtxKtP; 


2. 


RxKt mate. 


Kta5; 


2. 


PxKt mate. 


KKtxKP; 


2. 


BxP mate. 


Ktf4; 


2. 


Kt f6 mate. 


KKtelse; 


2. 


QxP mate. 


RxP+; 


2. 


KtxR mate. 


Rel; 


2. 


Pd3 mate. 


Relse; 


2. 


Re3 mate. 


P any; 


2. 


QxKKt mate. 



154 



CHESS LTRICS 



No. 97. 



Competitor in Chess Monthly, Third Tourney, 1893-4. 
"Joan of Arc." 
Judges: Sir J. O. S. Thursby Hon. J. C. St. Clair. 



BLACK 




i'8^1 ^ 




m 4Mm. 



M^^ 



«i "Wm ill 'mm 



m m Bi 

Y//////yy//, 



mk 



's, mm jmm,^ 

m lai 








White to mate in three moves. 



CHESS LTRICS 155 



No. 97. 

Solution: 

1. Qb6, KxR; 2. Qe6+, KxQ; 

3. RxB mate. 

2. Qe6+, Kf4; 

3. Qf5mate. 
PxQ; 2. Rf5+, KxB; 

3. Ktd6mate. 
KKtany; 2. QxKBP+, BxQ 

3. Rf5mate. 
Pc4; 2. Qe3+, KtxQ; 

3. Bg3mate. 

2. Qe3+, KxR; 

3. RxB mate. 
PxR; 2. Qg6, Kte3; 

3. Bg3mate. 

2. Qg6,Ktg3; 

3. PxKtmate. 

2. Qg6, else; 

3. QfSmate. 
Ktg3; 2. PxKt+, KxR; 

3. RxB mate, 
threat; 2. Rf5+, KxB; 
3. QeGmate. 



156 



CHESS LTRICS 



No* 98. 



Specially Contributed for the First Anniversary of the Chess Column in the 
Times Weekly Edition, 1894. 



BLACK 





im m 



^ 




^ 'yy//////yZ'. 



i'«S'^ 




1 



-mm. m 



'fm igi 



i 

m 



^., 'y^///////^. 



^ 



■ 



^ y/^/////////. 




White to mate in two moves. 



CHESS LTRICS 157 



No. 98. 





Solution: 


1. Qb5, Pd6; 


2. QeSmate. 


PxP; 


2. Qe2mate. 


BxP+; 2. Kte6mate, 


Bb3; 


2. KtxPmate. 


Rb3; 


2. Qc4mate. 


Pc2; 


2. Ktd2mate, 



Ktany; 2. Qd3 mate. 



158 



CHESS LYRICS 



No* 99. 



Second Honorable Mention, Schachmatny Journal, 1894. 

*' Happy-go-lucky." 

Judges: J. Dobrusky, N. Maximow, F. Dubbe, O. Nemo. 




'mmm m 
m 




H 




^^ *=^ V//7^///y.^ 




i..fll mMm\m 

m 



W/Z/Z/W'. 





ih 




White to mate in three moves. 



CHESS LTRICS 159 



No. 99. 





So] 


lution: 


1. Qg3, 


PxQ; 


2. 


KtxP, any; 






3. 


KKt e3 mate. 




KxR; 


2. 


QxBP+, KxQ; 






3. 


RxP mate. 






2. 


QxBP+, Kd5; 






3. 


Kt e3 mate. 




Pf3; 


2. 


Kte3+, KxR; 






3. 


Qe5 mate. 




Pb3; 


2. 


Qd3, any; 






3. 


Re5 mate. 




Rany; 


2. 


Re5+, Kc4; 






3. 


Qd3 mate. 






2. 


Re5+, KxP; 






2. 


QxP mate. 



160 



CHESS LYRICS 



No. 100. 



Third Prize in St. James' Budget, 1894. 
"A Tangled Web." 
Judges: B. G. Laws, H. Cudmore, J. Stent. 







I(i 



^^////y/%i 






m 'mm. 
^ 






7//////^. 







^ 





mm: m 
1 






WHITE 



White to mate in two moves. 



CHESS LYRICS 161 

No. 100. 

Solution: 

1. Bg6, BxP+; 2. Rf7 mate. 

Bb3; 2. KtcSmate. 

B else; 3. Qc4 mate. 

Rg3; 2. KtxRmate. 

Rf3; 2. ReSmate. 

Re3; 2. Kt f2 mate. 

RxKt; 2. Qe6mate. 

KKtany; 2. RxB mate. 

QKtany; 2. Kt c5 mate. 

"In many ways this is a fine problem. The key is clever 
indeed, for though the position is of the pure waiting class, the 
key forfeits one mate already set (which the solver would be loth 
to give up) to accept an alternative which produces prettier 
and more strategic play. The unavoidable necessity for the 
White Rook at eS, the pinned Bishop and consequent Black 
Knight is a matter for regret, but since a variation has been 
extracted from their imperative presence, little complaint can be 
made. Ample evidence is given that the composer has con- 
siderable ability in construction, resource and design." 

B. G. Laws' Report. 

"An elaborate and fairly complex position, constructed 
with due regard to the strategic nature of the key. The double 
use of the Pawn at g4 is of prime importance, and the air of 
freedom among the White forces (suggesting a pure waiting key) 
is skilfully contrived. The mates are numerous but not of high 
quality and the problem as a whole may be described as good 
rather than brilliant." 

H. Cudmore's Report. 

"This has undoubtedly one of the finest key moves in the 
section. The position is not a pure waiter, but it is highly in- 
genious that the key should arise from a quarter, and even from 
a square, where it is not only not necessary, but apparently, 
foolhardy to make any disturbance of the setting." 

J. Stent's Report. 



162 



CHESS LYRICS 



No. lOI, 



Third Prize, St. James Budget, 1894. 

"La Prerniere Pensee." 

Judges: H. Cudmore, J. Stent, B. G. Laws. 



BLACK 




i^.fsi. 



m m 




Pf 





V' ' — ' y//7?7///A 







ih 



j i- tTC »» 





'M^y/, 



m ^ mm. 




White to mate in three moves. 



CHESS LYRICS 



163 



"In his review of this problem, Mr. Laws suggested as an 
improvement the alternative position given in the diagram. 
This position was not new to me. In the course of construction 1 
considered , and , while I was not unmindful of its special features 
and was aware that many would prefer the less heavy setting, 
rejected it for reasons I thought good and sufficient. One reason 
which induced my choice was the objection I had to the White 
Queen's Bishop being left en prise of the Black Knight, the move 

1, . . . KtxB helping to suggest the key and too easily frustrating 
almost every other attempt at a solution, particularly 1. Kt b4+, 
Kd4; 2. Be2, which, in the position I elected, is defeated only by 

2, . . . Bb7+. Then it was my desire to avail myself of the 
opportunity which so readily presented itself of introducing the 
mirror mate after 1, . . .Ph6. Again, to my mind, when a 
powerful Black piece like the Rook has, under the compulsion 
of the waiting move, to relinquish some point of com.mand,the 
effect is more pleasing than when this is done by the unpreten- 
tious Pawn, and a generous use of Black force to accomplish 
some desirable or desired end never gives me much hesitation. 
This does not by any means imply that in the connection referred 
to I would indiscriminately use a Black piece where a Pawn 
might be employed. A great deal would depend upon the sur- 
rounding circumstances. 

Certainly the disfiguring feature of the problem is not the 
presence of the two Black, but rather that of the White, Rook. 
The Queen subjects herself to capture in the exceptional number 
of five alternative ways, and in order to bring about one of these 
Queen-sacrifices the Rook had to be introduced. But it can only 
be regarded as a necessary evil, for it is an ugly blemish, seeing 
that it takes no part in any of the mating positions and even 
helps to make one impure." 

A. F. M. 

No. lOIa. 

BLACK 




WHITE 

White to mate in three moves. 



164 



CHESS LYRICS 



No. lOZ 



Honorable Mention in Knowledge Tourney, 1894. 
"Pearl of the Garden." 



BLACK 



ill 



*1 




I i ■ m 

m m Mil 

i 



mm, . 

m 

mm w 



fm^ 







m 



White to mate in three moves. 



CHESS LTRICS 165 



No. lOI. 



SOLUTIO 


n: 


2. 


Qd54-, KxQ; 


3. 


Bf7 mate. 


2. 


Qd5+, BxQ; 


3. 


Be2 mate. 


V\ 2. 


Qc3+, KtxQ; 


3. 


Kt b2 mate 


2. 


Qd4+, KtxQ; 


3. 


Kt e5 mate. 


2. 


QxB+, KxQ; 


3. 


Bg6 mate. 


; 2. 


QxB+, KxP; 


3. 


Be2 mate. 


2. 


BxB. 



1. Qe5, KxP; 

R any; 

Pd5; 

Ph6; 

Bf5+ 

Bf3; 



No. 102. 

Solution: 

1. Rc6, PxR; 2. QxKP+, PxQ 

3. Kt c4 mate. 

2. QxKP+, Kd2 

3. Kt b3 mate. 
KxKt; 2. Ktf5+, PxKt 

3. Qd2mate. 
Kf4; 2. Qg5+,KxQ; 

3. KtfTmate. 
KtxKt; 2. Qg5+, KxKt; 

3. Bb6mate. 
Qany; 2. QKt £5+, PxKt; 

3. KtxKt mate. 



166 



CHESS LTRICS 



No. 103. 

Third Prize, Liverpool Mercury Tourney, 1894-5. 
Judges: Mrs. W. J. Baird, Dr. J. W. Hunt. 



BLACK 



^ 



^» m 







mm.. 



iSi.. 



mm — f 



w//////»,. 



v//////////,. ■mm//, /\ '», 



1 




White to mate in three moves. 



CHESS LYRICS 167 

No. 103. 



Solution: 


1. Qg6, K^4; 


2. 


Qe4+, Kb5; 




3. 


Qa4 mate. 


KxP; 


2. 


Ba4+, Kd5; 




2. 


Qd3 mate. 


Ktf5; 


2, 


QxP+, KxQ; 




3. 


Bb3 mate. 


Bfl; 


2. 


BxP+, Kc4; 




3. 


Kt d6 mate. 


Ktelse; 


2. 


Bb3+, KxP; 




3. 


QeS mate. 


Pc2; 


2. 


OxBP, Kte8; 




3. 


Kt b4 mate. 


threat ; 


2. 


Qd3+, KxP; 




3. 


Ba4 mate. 



"^Yere it not for the weak opening this would be a very- 
good problem, but the square curtailed is an important one. See- 
ing the K cannot be allowed there, 1. Bc2, defeated in one way 
only, is a good try. The play following the Knight's moves and 
that of 1, . . .Bfl is first class, leading to lovely pure mates. 
On the other hand, the dual short m.ate and the triple mate after 
the silent continuation cannot be regarded as pleasing, but 
with so much that is good in the working the problem can but 
receive its fair meed of praise." 

Mrs. Baird. 

"Again a good problem, and but for the key cutting off an 
important flight sqviare (though 1 , . . . KxP partly compen- 
sates) it would have scaled more. The sacrifice of the Queen 
after 1, . . . Kt f 5 leading to a pure mate is very pretty, but 
being one of the first objects to meet the eye it helps to fix 
the key. The variations have evidently been carefully worked 
out, but that following 1, . . . Pc2 leaves something to be de- 
sired, and the short mate is a greater disfiguremient in that it 
follows a m.ove granted by the kev." 

Dr. Hunt. 



168 



CHESS LTRICS 



No. 104. 



Competitor in Liverpool Mercury Tourney, 1894-5. 

Judges: Mrs. W. J. Baird, Dr. T- W. Hunt. 

BLACK 



a fm 



i ^ 



tM 



^ 



WHITE 

White to mate in two moves. 



No. 105. 



Competitor in Liverpool Mercury Tourney, 1894-5. 
Judges; Mrs. W. J, Baird, Dr. J. W. Hunt. 

BLACK 




WHITE 

White to mate in two moves. 



CHESS LYRICS 169 



No. 


104. 


Solution: 


. Kb3,BxR; 


2. Bc3 mate. 


Be7; 


2. KteGmate, 


Re7; 


2. RdGmate. 


RxP; 


2. Rc4mate. 


KKtany; 


2. Ktf5mate. 


Qg3+; 


2. PxQ mate. 


Qh3+; 


2. Pf3mate. 


QxQ; 


2. Rf4mate. 


• Ktc2; 


2. Qdl mate. 


Ktd3; 


2. Pe3mate. 


Ktf3; 


2. Qal mate. 



No. 105. 



Solution: 


. Ke7, QxR; 


2. RdSmate. 


Qelse; 


2. Rel mate. 


PxP; 


2. Ra5 mate. 


Rf4; 


2. KtdGmate, 


Relse; 


2. Qg4 mate. 


Kt any ; 


2. KtfGmate. 


Pf6r 


2. QeGmate. 


Pg5; 


2. QfSmate. 



170 



CHESS LYRICS 



No. 106. 



First Prize, Manchester Times, 1895. 
"An Idyl of Roses." 
Judges: B. G. Laws, T. Tavemer. 



BLACK 




m mm mm.^^-<mm 



1» ^-^ twi 

i 








'W/m. 



y///////v/. 



filif 



iSI 



y////'y/ 'y////v/// 




'///. ^J^/^^ ^ ^.,/mM^/. _.^:-^... WM^A 



i 



WHITE 



VvThite to mate in three moves. 



CHESS LYRICS 171 



No. 106. 



1. Re5, 



Solution: 


BxR; 


2. Rb5, Kd3; 




3. Rd5 mate. 




2. Rb5, Kc4; 




3. Rb4mate. 


Kt any ; 


2. Rd5+, PxR; 




3. Ktf5mate. 


else; 


2. RxP+, KxR; 




3. RxKtmate. 



This problem and its companion two-mover were also 
awarded the First Prize for the best set. The tourney was a 
restricted one, open only to problems wanting the White Queen. 



172 



CHESS LTRICS 



No. 107. 



Third Prize, Manchester Times, 1895. 

"A Summer Idyl." 
Judges: B. G. Laws, T. Tavemer. 



BLACK 



.m 

\mm> 'W///M % 



% i ill ^ 




i 




^ 



Wa^^3!^M 



1^1 i 



m .^ 'WM. 




:^////^w. 



•iim 



m 



rr 



White to mate in two moves. 



CHESS LYRICS 173 



No. 107. 



Solution: 


. Ba4, PxB; 


2. RxPmate. 


Pb4; 


2. Bc6mate. 


Pd2; 


2. Bc2mate. 


Pf5; 


2. ReSmate. 


Kte3; 


2. PfSmate. 


Ktf4; 


2. KtgSmate, 


QKtelse; 


2. Rel mate. 


KKtany; 


2. KtxPmate. 



174 



CHESS LYRICS 



No. 108. 



Third Prize, Leeds Mercury, 1894-5. 
Judges: B. G. Laws, J. Rayner. 



BLACK 




m.^mm.^^ 'mm. 





m.,^,mm. 4m. 



1 








v^//////^. 



■ Bla 



m. 



WHITE 



White to mate in three moves. 



CHESS LYRICS 175 



No. 


108. 


Solution: 


1. Bf8,l:Kd5; 


2. Ktb2, any; 




3. PcTmate. 


Kd3; 


2. Bf5+, Ke2; 




3. Ktc3mate. 




2. Bf5+, Kc4; 




3. QxBPmate. 


Pe2; 


2. QxBP+, Kd3; 




3. Bf5mate. 


Bel; 


2. Bf5, Kd5; 




3. KtxPmate. 


threat; 


2. QxRP+, Kd5; 




3. Ktc3mate. 




2. QxRP+, Kb3; 




3. Ktd4mate. 



'An elaborate and in every sense an admirably conceived 
problem. The key is distinctly good, and it is not easily seen 
why 1. Ba3 will not do as well. The variations are numerotis and 
pointed, and the mating positions are open and neat. The con- 
struction is good, but the force is not fully utilized," 

J. Rayner. 

"This suffers in its key, though the w^hither of the B. miti- 
gates in a measure the fact that the taking away of a flight square 
is bad. There are some quiet and beautiful variations, and the 
problem is distinctly good. The key must, however, handicap 
heavily this interesting piece of work." 

B. G, Laws. 



176 



CHESS LYRICS 



No- 109- 



Competitor in Leeds Mercury, 1894-5. 
Judges; B. G. Laws, J. Rayner. 




m 




p iii im 4m 







PI 

'////////yA 




iiiajsi 





i'?^! 



^ 




White to mate in two moves. 



CHESS LYRICS ll\ 



No. 109. 



1. Qh5, 





bOLUTION: 


RxQ; 




2. 


Rcl mate. 


Rf2; 




2. 


Bg4 mate. 


RxB; 




2. 


Bh3 mate. 


RxP; 




2, 


Rc2 mate. 


Kf6; 




2. 


BxP mate. 


KtPx 


:R; 


2. 


QBxP mate. 


KPai 


^^y; 


2. 


QRe3 mate. 



The two move theme consisting of White's having two hnes 
of attack by discovering check, while Black's defence relies mainly 
on two Rooks, or a Rook and a Queen, so placed that together 
they withstand AVhite's threat, but that when either moves some 
point is left weakened and White can mate — this theme has been 
carefully studied by Mr. Mackenzie. There are several very 
interesting examples in "Chess: Its Poetry and Its Prose," and 
this collection also lias some fine examples. No. 29 shows White 
threatening two diagonal discovered checks; No. 11 has one 
diagonal and one lateral discovery. In the above problem 
further interest is added by Black's having a flight square. The 
power of the Black Rooks thus supporting one another, without 
either actually guarding his companion is illustrated by the 
defences to the near tries: 

1. Bh3, Rf2 and no m^ate. 
1. Bg4, Rfl and no mate. 

Mr. Barry says of this problem: "The finest illustration of 
the idea I ever saw. Absolutely flawless, and the flight and 
cut-offs verv novel." 



178 



CHESS LYRICS 



No* no. 



Competitor in Leeds Mercury, 1894-5. 

Judges: B. G. Laws, J. Rayner. 

BLACK 




WHITE 

White to mate in three moves. 



No. I J J. 

Contributed to Westminster Gazette, 1896. 
BLACK 



^m 















WM 



WHITE 

White to mate in two moves. 



CHESS LYRICS 179 

No* no. 

Solution: 

1. Bb4, Ke5; 2. Bc5, Kf6; 

3. Qal mate. 

2. Bc5, Kf4; 

3. KtgGmate. 
Ke3; 2. Bb7, Kf2; 

3. Qel mate. 

2. Bb7, Kd4; 

3. Qe4 mate. 

2. Bb7, Kf4; 

3. Qe4 mate. 
Kc4; 2. Qe4+, Kb5; 

3. Bd7mate. 

No. in. 





Solution: 


• Qg2. 


KxR; 2. Qfl mate. 




PxR; 2. Kta5mate. 




Pb3; 2. Rd4mate. 




QBPany; 2. PxP mate. 




BxB; 2. KtxKtPma 




Pfl; 2. Qc2mate. 




QKtany; 2. Pb6 mate. 




KKtany; 2. QxKP mate. 



180 



CHESS LYRICS 



No. 112, 



Quoted in Deutsche Schachzeitung, May, 1896. 
"Fun and !^rolic." 



<r6^^/A 







■ ' 



m. 'mm 



^^ A 




m 






S 



1 



If ^1 



WHITE 



White to play and draw. 



CHESS LTRICS ISl 



No. 112. 

Solution: 

1. Bd2, KtxB + ; 

2. Bbl+, BxR; 

3. Kt f7+, RxKt stale mate. 

"An ending from actual play is always interesting. A good 
and striking one has a special fascination for the solver, which a 
problem, the offspring of Art, does not possess. It is like a 
romance in real life; and as the reader may be especially spell- 
bound by realities which glow with the hues of fiction, so the 
admiring solver may see a rare halo of expectation which tinges 
his delight." 

A. F. Mackenzie in Jamaica Gleaner. 



182 



CHESS LYRICS 



No- 113. 

Honorable Mention in Bradford Observer Budget Tourney, 1896-7. 
Judges: B. G. Laws, J. Rayner. 



BLACK 






^mm. -'mm 







1 ^^^1 




i^ W^v/ v/z/i^v/y y////////// 

m Hi M. ■ 




Va 



i ^ 1 



m '■mm. 



m 














a 




White to mate in two moves. 



CHESS LYRICS 183 



No. 113. 



Solution: 


1. Rg6, Bfl; 


2. RxRmate. 


Bg2; 


2. Qglmate. 


Re4; 


2. KtcGmate. 


KRelse; 


2. Qf4mate. 


Kt any ; 


2. KtfSmate. 


Pd2; 


2. QxPmate. 


Re7; 


2. RdGmate. 


RxP; 


2. Rc4mate. 


Be7; 


2. KteGmate. 


BxR; 


2. Bb2inate. 



"The one serious divergence of opinion between the judges 
occurs in relation to this Problem, and the ground thereof will 
be best explained by the observations of the judges themselves. — 
Mr. Laws writes: — 'I have felt forced to place it much lower 
in my list than its merits, considered without reference to other 
circumstances, would entitle it. It is built on the ground plan 
of at least two problems by Mr. A. F. Mackenzie.' On the 
other hand, Mr. Rayner says that it is 'A Mackenzie-like com- 
position, with all the characteristic touches of the great composer. 
A lack of originality may be urged, but I think there is quite 
sufficient of a distinctive kind to entitle this problem to be 
classed as one of the gems of the tourney. The young composer 
may learn a very useful lesson in construction, not solely from 
what has been put in, but from what has been left out.' So 
that, whilst Mr. Rayner places this problem second with 95 
points, Mr. Laws ranks it thirteenth with 69 points. It is not 
altogether surprising that both judges and solvers detected 
' Mackenzieism ' in the construction of this problem, as the 
author is none other than Mr. A. F. Mackenzie himself." 

Bradford Observer Budget, Aug. 14, 1897. 



184 



CHESS LTRICS 



No. 114. 

First Prize in Totimey of Brighton Chess Club. 1895- 
"See, the Conquering Hero Comes!" 
Judges: G. Hume, B. G. Laws, T. Taverner. 








_ i 

m$ wKi ^ ■ 4 
^ ^ itl 6 ^ 





WHITE 



White to mate in three moves. 



CHESS LYRICS 185 



No. 114. 





Solution: 


Rd3, KxR; 




2. KtxP+, Kc4; 

3. QcS mate. 


Kf5; 




2. QgS,any; 

3. Qmate. 


PxR; 




2. QcS, KxR; 

3. Ktb4mate. 

2. QcS, else; 

3. Re3 mate. 


Bg2; 




2. QgS, KxR; 

3. Ktb4mate. 

2. QgS, Kf5; 

3. Qe6mate. 

2. QgS, else; 

3. Q mate. 


PxP, 


threat 


; 2. Kte3+, KxB; 
3. QbSmate. 

2. Kt e3+, KxR 

3. QdSmate. 



" Under nearly all tests this survives as a masterpiece. The 
key is problematically easy, and to the experienced solver comes 
naturally as the initial stroke. The play beyond the key is, 
however, of deeper import, arid the quiet second moves following 
the two chief defences are beautifully subtle, leading up to 
mates which are real pictures, pictures of art ! The threat is also 
ingenious and pretty. Though the R at a3 is onty required to 
protect the Q. B. P., there exist constructive difficulties in 
abolishing it, apparently insurmotmtable, com.patible with the 
splendid design of the whole v/ork. There are some very ex- 
cellent tries, PxP and QgS being especially close. The variety 
is not great, but there is ample set off in quality, and the position 
well deserves honors. It cannot fail to take its place in the 
first rank of tourney prize problem.s." 

B. G. Laws. 

"A fine problem, embodying two beautiful two-movers. 
The key is a give-and-take one, but it gives a piece into the 
bargain, and is not really any easier on that account, as the K 
appears intended to go out by the other door." 

G. Hume. 



186 



CHESS LYRICS 



No. 115. 



Illustrated London News, September 12, 1896. 
In Memoriam, Edwin Mackenzie. 



'///A 

i 












m m Hi -mm. 

i 








^Bl 






'Zy/////^. 




m m 



^ 



m 





White to mate in two moves. 



CHESS LTRICS 



187 



No^ 115. 



1. Pf3, 



Solution: 


Ktb4; 


2. 


Pb3 mate. 


Ktc3; 


2. 


PxKt mate 


Ktb3; 


2. 


Qgl mate. 


Ktd3; 


2. 


Pe3 mate. 


KtxP; 


2. 


Qdl mate. 


Rc7; 


2. 


Rd6 mate. 


RxP; 


2. 


Re4 mate. 


Bc7; 


2. 


Kt c6 mate 


BxR; 


2. 


Bf2 mate. 


Pa5; 


2. 


Ktb5 mate 


PxP; 


2. 


Rh4 mate. 



"The above problem, bj^- one of the most briUiant composers 
chess has known, possesses a pathetic interest. It was the last 
Mr. A. F. Mackenzie constructed before his eyesight failed, and 
it is dedicated to the memory of his brother, who died July 11, 

1896." 

Illustrated London News. 



"When I sent this problem, for publication as above I thought 
it was the last I woiild ever com^pose. It was a few months later 
before I began com.posing sans voir." 

A. F. M. 



ISS 



CHESS LYRICS ^ 



No. 116. 



Version of Problem contributed to Norwich Mercury, Feb. 4, 1902. 






w///////>. p 

m. mm 





m A W(M mm k ^» 






i IH111# 



■ '"^ I 




White to mate in three moves. 



CHESS LYRICS 189 



1. Be7, Kd4; 



KxP 



No. 


{16. 


Solution: 




2. 


Qh8+, KxR; 




3. 


Bg5 mate. 




2. 


Qh8+, K else 




3.' 


Kt d2 mate. 




2. 


Qd7+, KxQ; 




3. 


Kt f6 mate. 




2. 


Qd7+, Kb6; 




3. 


QxP mate. 




2. 


RxP, any; 




3^ 


Bd6 mate. 




2. 


Qe6+, KxQ; 




3. 


Kt d6 mate. 




2. 


Qe6+, Kd4; 




2. 


Bc5 mate. 



Keo: 
else : 



I am indebted to Mr. John Keeble for the history of this 
three-mover, which is doubly noteworthy as being the first 
three-mover composed after Mr. Mackenzie's loss of sight. 

With a B. P. at a6 instead of the W. P. at a4, and with the 
W. Q. B. misplaced, the position was contribtited to a Danish 
Tourney. Proving unsound, the post of the W. Q. B. was al- 
tered, and the problem sent to the Tourney of the New York 
Sun. The Pawn at g6 was missing, however, and cooks still 
remained. Corrected, save as to the R. P's, it was entered, in 
1901, in the Tournament of the Birmingham Post, and, not 
knowing whether the problem has been published, Mr. Mackenzie 
contributed it to the Norwich Mercury. It was however still 
unsoimd, a cook existing by 1, Qh8. This cook is remedied 
in the present version by changing the previous B. P. at a6 
for the White one at a4, in that no mate follows when 1. Qh8, 
KxP; 2. Qc8+, Kb6; while the mate intended by Mr. Mackenzie: 
1. Be7, KxP; 2. Qd7+, Kb6; 3. Qc7 mate is replaced by 3. 
QxP mate. 

As Mr. Keeble suggested when he reproduced the problem 
in the Norwich Mercury, it forms a fitting companion to Mr. 
Mackenzie's first Prize Winner in the Tourney of 1895-6 of the 
Brighton Chess Club, which was the last three-mover he completed 
before he lost his ej^esight. 



190 



CHESS LYRICS 



No* 117. 



No. 1183 New Orleans Times Democrat, 1896. 



■^ 



I© 




^mmT^' ^ 



"mM 




y^//////m,^ ■////////. 



M A i 



ISi 






i.iB il 



i 



i. 




■^ 



1 ^ 



WHITE 



White to mate in two moves. 



CHESS LTRICS 191 



No* 117. 

Solution: 

Rg6, Bc5; 2. Bb2 m-ate. 

KB else; 2. Ra4 mate. 

QB any; 2. Qal mate. 

RxKt; 2. RxRmate. 

Rd6; 2. RxRmate. 

Rd5; 2. Ktc6mate. 

Pf6; 2. KteGmate. 

Pd2; 2. QeSmate. 

PxP; 2. KtfSmate. 

Rh5; 2. RxPmate. 

RxP; 2. Qb4mate. 

KRelse; 2. Kt f5 mate. 

This two-mover was one of the first problems composed by- 
Mr. Mackenzie after he lost his sight to be contributed to any 
chess column. The twelve variations reveal the power which 
was to create Mr. Mackenzie's later "sans voir" masterpieces. 
Neither the key nor the variations are above the average, but 
the ability to carry numerous combinations in the mind's eye 
is alreadv remarkable. 



192 



CHESS LYRICS 



No. 118. 

Fifth Prize, Leeds Mercury, 1897. 
Judges: B. G. Laws, J. Rayner. 



BLACK 




w 



-^^ 



ii m,, , 



M ^ issi 



ffif 



wM,f^3^M. i&Jl .^ 







White to mate in two moves. 



CHESS LTRICS 193 



No. 118. 



Solution: 


1. Qdl, BxQ; 


2. KfSmate. 


Be4; 


2. QxQmate. 


Pd3; 


2. QxPmate. 


BxP; 


2. KxB mate. 


Bc7; 


2. Rc5mate. 


Bb6; 


2. KtxB mate. 


Rc6; 


2. Kd7mate. 


Qc6; 


2. QxB mate. 


Pf5; 


2. Ke5mate. 


KtPany; 


2. KxPmate. 



"A capital key, and some smart ideas. The construction 
is good. There are some promising tries, which have the effect 
of keeping the author's intention a secret from the solver longer 
than usual. The mates after 1 , . . . Pd3 and 1, . . . Rc6, are 
pretty." 

B. G. Laws. 



194 



CHESS LYRICS 



No. 119. 

Ninth Best in Leeds Mercury Tourney, 1897. 
Judges: B. G. Laws, J. Rayner. 
BLACK 




WHITE 

White to mate in two moves, 



No. 120. 



Competitor in Leeds Mercury Tourney, 1897. 
Judges: B. G. Laws, J. Rayner. 




WHITE 

White to mate in two moves. 



CHESS LTRICS 



195 



1. Rb7, 



No. 


119. 


Solution: 


Rc5; 


2. Ktb4mate. 


QRelse; 


2. Rb5 mate. 


KtxR; 


2. Kg4mate. 


QKtelse; 


2. RdTmate. 


Rg5; 


2. Kf4mate. 


Rf5; 


2. QxRmate. 


Re5; 


2. Rd6mate. 


Bf4; 


2. KxB mate. 


BxP; 


2. KxB mate. 


KKt any ; 


2. KxKtmate. 


QPxP; 


2. Ke2mate. 


KPxP; 


2. Pc4mate. 



"A rather featureless key with a run of everyday mates, 
1, . . , Kt xR leading to the prettiest. There seems no ade- 
quate set-off in the use of the Pawns at c2, c3 and 62. The 
Queen gives only one mate." 

B. G. Laws. 

No. 120. 

■ Solution: 



1. Bb7, Kt a5 
KtxP 
Ktd4 
Kte5 
QKt else 
KtxR; 
Ktfl; 
Rh4; 
Rf4; 
Pd4; 



2. PxKtmate. 
2. RxKtmate. 
2. Kt c5 mate. 
2. KtdGmate. 
2. Pb5mate. 
2. QhSmate. 
2. QxRmate. 
2. Qf5mate. 
2. ReSmate. 
2. BxKtmate. 



196 



CHESS LYRICS 



No* 121. 



First Prize, Sixth Tourney (Informal) Brighton Society, 1897. 
Judge: A. E. Studd. 






■'^i<M^7/. m 



^mi 



I 







YyT^TA 'y^/////////. 






^ pi H fil 

//A,.,^///. "W/W/, "V//////^/. 

m 'mm. ^m^r^'mm. 



m 



//////M 



^H M^ WM I 
& M El I 



ite^ ^^?^i ^W^,. 



^ ^^^ 



1. 



in 



^ ^^g'B-' /y/////////^. 



White to mate in three moves. 



CHESS LTRICS 197 

No. 121. 

Solution: 

1. Ktb3, Ke4; 2. QxKBP+, KxQ; 

3. Rh4mate. 

2. QxKBP+, Kd3; 

3. Kt cl mate. 

2. QxKBP+, Kd5; 

3. KtxKtmate. 
Pd6; 2. QxQBP+, KxQ; 

3. KtdSmate. 

2. QxQBP+, Ke6; 

3. QxPmate. 
Kte2; 2. Qc4+, KxQ; 

3. Kt e5 mate. 
Ke6; 2. Qc5, KtxKt; 

3. Rh6 mate. 

2. Qco, Kf6; 

3. QdGmate. 
threat; 2. Qc5+, Ke4; 

3. Qd4mate. 

"In strategy and point this problem is far in advance of 
the other competitors, and is, in fact, the only one of its section 
that aims at all successfully at high-class Tourney form ; though 
I cannot say that it fully attains this. The somewhat ungainly 
appearance of the position is a distinct drawback, and it is also 
a matter of regret that in the variations of second and third 
importance one of the White pieces has in each case to play the 
part of a spectator." 

Judge's Report. 



198 



CHESS LYRICS 



No. 122. 



Third Prize, Fifth Tourney, Brighton Society, 1897. 

"Slings and Arrows." 

Judges: B. G. Laws, J. Rayner. 



BLACK 




Hi 



Wa^ ^MA 




m 



% .^^^>^J 




m 



ill 



■M. 



^ <<//////////. 

^ 






^7^^^/y^ 







Sui-mate in two moves. 



CHESS LYRICS 



199 



"An ungainly position to commence with. Many would 
refuse to master its bewilderments, but they would lose a treat, 
though the hemmed in and very unnatural and well-nigh im- 
possible position must be marked off its scaling. As far as ideas 
and strategy are concerned, the composition is magnificent. The 
key in relation to its themes is the most indifferent feature. It is 
neither stirring nor recondite, and indeed cannot be said to be 
harmless, though it has an almost unmeaning effect, since in 
ordinary circumstances one would imagine the Queen would be 
almost as powerful at h8 as at e5. The whole conception seems 
to have risen from the well-known masterpiece of T. Tavemer, 
but here there is sufficient originality displayed for the problem 
to rank as a separate work. Referring to what I have said above, 
I do not mean that the setting could be improved whilst retaining 
all the beauties of its solution, for experiments have failed to 
give any encouragement in this direction." 

B. G. Laws. 

"This has very deep strategy, the play following 1, . . , 
Qc4, in conjunction w4th the key, being a bold and beautiful 
conception." 

J. Rayner. 



No. I22a. 

T. Tavemer. 
BLACK 




WHITE 

Sui-mate in two moves. 
1. Ktb6. 



200 



CHESS LYRICS 



No. 123. 



Competitor in Seventh Tourney of Brighton Society, 1897-8. 
"Cross Purposes." 
Judges: G. Hume, B. G. Laws, T. Taverner. 



BLACK 



^^ 







^Sf 



^ 




III 



m m7P7///A, 

m 



If a 1^ ^ 

y////y/'. y///////y/i wy///////. 




wm 



'm^Va 



PI 



mS-^,§mM 'wmA 



i IMI &i 
e 



ft 



WHITE 



White to mate in two moves. 



CHESS LTRICS 201 

No. 122. 

Solution: 

1. Qe5, Qc4; 2. Kf4+, RxR mate. 

Qc6; 2. BxKt+, BxB mate. 

QxR; 2. Kt c2+, QxQ mate. 

Rf2; 2. KxR+, RxR mate. 

No. 123. 



1. Ktf4, 



So] 


lution: 


Kc3; 


2. 


Bh7 mate. 


QxP; 


2. 


Bbl mate. 


KxP; 


2. 


QxP mate. 


Kt c3; 


2. 


Kt e6 mate. 


threat; 


2. 


Kt e2 mate. 



"A threat problem rather out of the ordinary groove of 
two-movers, and thereby possessing considerable interest. The 
key is Al, especially as one is inclined to tr}'- the same threat, via 
c3, and the two 'long' discovered mates by the B are decidedly 
spicy. The position naturally ranks low in economy." 

G. Hume. 

"A smart idea, opening with a capital key. Like all 
themes of this class, economy has to be ignored. Here we find 
all White's pieces engaged, and only five mates. The Q comes in 
for only one mate, and is wanted for protective purposes to 
the extent of one square, c4. Seeing so much White force is 
used for results so small, the problem must suffer on the most 
important test." 

B. G. Laws. 



202 



CHESS LTRICS 



No. 124. 



Competitor in Sixth Tourney (Informal) of Brighton Society, 1897, 

Judge: A. E. Studd. 

BLACK 



1 






\m\ 



WHITE 

White to mate in two moves. 



No. 125. 



Competitor in Manchester Times Tourney, 
BLACK 




WHITE 

White to mate in two m.oves. 



CHESS LYRICS 



203 



No. 


124. 


Solution: 


, BxP; 


2. KtcGmate. 


Be7; 


2. Kte6mate. 


RxKP; 


2. QxPmate. 


Re7; 


2. RdGmate. 


Pd2; 


2. QeSmate. 


Rh4; 


2. KxPmate. 


Rg4; 


2. RxRmate. 


RxBP; 


2. KtxRmate 


Re4; 


2. Qalmate. 


QBany; 


2. KtxPmate. 



No. 125. 



Solution: 


. Bd5, RxB; 


2. ReSmate. 


Pf5; 


2. QxQBPmate 


Ktf4; 


2. Pd4mate. 


Ktg5; 


2. Pf4mate. 


Bfo; 


2. QcTmate. 


threat ; 


2. Qe6mate. 



204 



CHESS LYRICS 



No. 126. 



First Prize, ex sequo, in Ruy I,opez Tourney, 1897-98. 

"La reina que rabia." 

Judges: J. Carbo BatUe, Dr. J. Tolosa y Carreras. 



BLACK 




■ mi. 



m .^ 'mm^. 

I 




y//////yy/. 



'M, . .^.^^^ 



y^/////yw. 



7////<m. 'm^m ^>^^f WM 



rs=^'^ 




m ^ mm,^^ iw^ 



i 111 i ■ i 







White to mate in three moves. 



CHESS LTRICS 



205 



1. Ktd3, Kd5; 



No. 126. 

Solution: 

2. QxKt+, KxQ; 3. Kt d8 mate. 



KxKt; 
KKtxP; 
QKt any ; 
Bd5; 



threat ; 



Qd4+, KtxQ; 
Qf3+, KxQ; 
Qd4+, Kf3; 
Ktel,BxKt; 
Ktel, Ktf3; 
Kt el, else; 
Qf5+, KxQ; 



Kt e5 mate. 
QKt e5 mate. 
Kt mate. 
BxB mate. 
QxKt mate. 
Qe5 mate. 
Kt e7 mate. 



"The setting is somewhat crowded, especially by the White 
Pawns on the right side of the board, but this is rendered insig- 
nificant by the brilliancy of the solution, with its varied strokes 
and graceful details. Four queen-sacrifices on different squares, 
such is the theme of this splendid problem. While this is 
strictly not an original theme, the personality of the composer 
has given it an artistic polish and strategic lines of play which 
constitute an eminently original design. In fact the threat 
or attack of White (2. Qf5+, etc.) is hidden and clever. The 
King's Knight also occupying a powerful position and moved 
thence en prise creates a difficult key, further this Knight takes 
no very active part in the main variations and his initial move 
is mainly preparatory for the difficult variation 1, . . ,Bd5. 
Besides the fine key the problem offers three economically pure 
mates, resulting from brilliant lines of play, it being noteworthy 
that the three Knight mates (Kt e7 mate, Kt e5 mate and Kt 
d8 mate) with which these variations end, are beautiful echoes 
of one another, since in the three cases the flight of the Black 
King is cut off by the White Knight and Bishop each guarding 
one flight square, and these differing in every one of the three 
cases. Finally one of the pure mates is a mirror, even the White 
King taking a part in it. The two other variations (1 . . . 
KKt XP, and 1, . . .Bd5) are also of artistic value, the second 
being especially tricky, as already indicated. The tries (as 
1. Bd2 and 1. Kt d7) are deceptive. There are two insignificant 
duals (when 1, . . . Kt f3 and 1, . . . Bbl). The problem is 
a thematic masterpiece." Summary of Judge's Report. 

"Immediately after the award, there was found to exist a 
second solution, by 1. Pf3+, which called for the addition of the 
Black Pawn at h5. I am glad that the composition was thus 
deprived of the fruits of its honour, because it was, I think, the 
second problem I constructed after I began composing sans 
voir, and I have come to feel that without a proper appreciation 
of my act, I had mentally evolved a revision of an unsound 
problem I published before I lost my sight, — a revision which, 
as far as I remember the older position, could hardly be said 
to embody such new and improved features as would make it 
a candidate for tourney honors. So far as I am aware, the 
likeness has never been observed." A. F. M. 



206 



CHESS LTRICS 



No. 127. 



Fourth Prize, ex lequo, Birmingham Post, 1897-S 
"Hands Across the Sea." 
Judges: T. H. Billington, A. Bolus. 



w, __'^m. 



m 





m 



II 






■Zy/////^. 



W y///////y//. '//////////A 

^ 



m. 'mm, 
'mm. m 



- -1^- 



M ^^M 



WHITE 



White to mate in two moves. 



CHESS LYRICS. 207 





No. 


127^ 




Solution: 


. Ra6, 


. Kd4; 


2. Ra4mate. 




Kf3; 


2. Qhl mate. 




Pc4; 


2. Ktd2mate 




Pd4; 


2. QaSmate. 




Pf3; 


2. Qh4mate. 




KtPany; 


2. Ktg5mate, 



208 



CHESS LYRICS 



No* I27a. 

H. Cudmore. 
BLACK 




WHITE 

White to mate in two moves. 



1. Qdl. 
No. I27b, 

Anonymous. 
BLACK 




WHITE 

White to mate in two moves. 



1. Qa2. 



CHESS LTRICS 209 



Position No. 127 nearly approaches the maximum number of 
pure and thematically distinct, though not economical mates. We 
append two problems containing six absolutely pure mates. 
The first by H. Cudmore was an unplaced entry in the Fourth 
Tourney of Hackney Mercury, being published on February 14, 
1891. The second, by an anonymous composer, was printed in a 
Brooklyn paper in 1893. Although these two problems are 
slightly ahead of Mr. Mackenzie's prize-winner in purity, they 
are both inferior, the latter especially, in economy. The fact 
that all three problems allow the Black King the same two flight 
squares, and that the mates are similar in nature, is evidence 
that this class of problem, with one diagonal and one lateral 
flight square, is one of the best adapted for the development of 
purity in two-movers. Recent experiments in Norwich Mercury 
have developed more varied technical purity along somewhat 
different lines; while, as we see in other problems of this volume, 
the greatest variety of pure mates in three movers is to be looked 
for in a widely different type of production. 



210 



CHESS LYRICS 



No. 128. 



First Prize, British Chess Magazine, Eighth Tourney, 1897-98. 

"The Moonstone." 

Judges: C. Planck, B. G. Laws. 



BLACK 




M I^ft WM. 






5^^^ ■Zy/////^, 






m 






i« wi i 



11 '^■^■~" 




H ■ 



yy//////m. 



% 




White to mate in three moves. 





Solution: 






2. 


Qb8, Kd6; 


3. 


Bf8 mate. 


2. 


Qb8, else; 


3. 


Qb6 mate. 


2. 


Qe6, KxR; 


3. 


Kt d3 mate. 


2. 


Qe6, RxR; 


3. 


Qd5 mate. 


2. 


Qc6, KxR; 


3. 


Kt g4 mate. 


2. 


Qc6, else; 


3. 


R mate. 


2. 


Rd3+, Ke4; 


3. 


Kt g6 mate. 



CHESS LYRICS 211 

No. 128. 



1. QeS, KxP; 
Rf3; 
Pf4; 

threat ; 

"A very fine massive problem of marked Teutonic type. 
There are several features here which invite criticism, notably 
the cumbersome construction with its numerous Pawns, the 
inartistic nature of the mates in every variation if Black refuses 
to do just what is wanted (the quietness of the second moves 
being rather apparent than real, since they always threaten 
blundering impure mates) , and the rather strained and artificial 
nature of some of the situations. Nevertheless the three main 
ideas are so exceptionally beautiful that the problem carries its 
minor imperfections triumphantly, and comes out with a big 
surplus in the end. The key is good, and it requires a knowledge 
of the greater part of the after-play to decide why Qe7 is not as 
good as QeS. The two ideas following 1 , . . .Rf3,andl, . . . 
Pf4, are finely rendered, the chief mates absolutely pure and 
economical, and the combination of these with the line 1, . . . 
KxP, &c., producing three quiet second moves with Queen, 
constitutes a masterpiece. The threat variation, 2. Rd3+, is 
of least value. There is a triple mate here after 2, . . . KxP, 
and by playing 1, . . .Rf4; 2, . . . Ke4, Black can manufac- 
ture a nine-fold mate. This variation has been forced on the 
composer, and purity and economy are absent. The play 
following 1, . . . KxR is fine, considering this is really a minor 
branch, and its beauty partly condones the inactive Bishop, the 
one double square, and the two extra Pawns on the Rook's 
file. The variation 1 , . . . KxP is a little artificial and strained 
but the curious mate 3. Bf8, in which every piece participates, 
more than atones for any little failing of this sort. Our admira- 
tion for this problem is only tinged with regret that in the two 
main lines the author has failed to introduce any mates beyond 
those of the main ideas; for after 1, . . .Rf3; 2, Qe6, we 
threaten " companion " mates with Knight, and if 2, . . .KxP, 
then Kt or Q mates. Again after 1 , . . .Pf4, 2, Qc6, we threaten 
two mates with Rook, and 2, . . . PxR leads to nothing of value. 
It is remarkable, however, that play as he will Black cannot pro- 
duce a dual on the second move. Regarding the construction, we 
note that the Pawn at h7 prevents a fatal dual by 1 , . . . Pf 4 ; 
2, Rd3+, &c., the Pawn at a3 stops the cook by 1, Re2, &c., and 
the Rook at dl is required to stop the same cook in addition to 
blocking the Pawn. Further, the White Pawn at c7 is necessary 
to permit the King reaching d6; the beautiful mate with Bishop 



212 



CHESS LYRICS 



No. 129. 



First Honorable Mention, Eighth Tourney, British Chess Magazine, 1897- 
" Gambolling on Gossamer." 
Judges: C. Planck, B. G. Laws. 





i 



Va 'mm. 





4m M 

1 m 






m 




Wa 




m 




WHITE 



White to mate in three moves. 



CHESS LYRICS 213 

following. We found it unusually difficult ; there are some good 
tries." Judges' Report. 

' ' It was somewhat surprising to find such eminent English 
judges, well known as being foremost among their countrymen 
in accepting the advanced tenets of the modem school, so 
diligently dissecting a three-mover of its dual mates. Even 
had these dual mates been dual continuations the best continen- 
tal experts would have viewed their existence with indifference, 
since they in no way interfere with the ideas the problem tries to 
present, and their removal was an impossible matter. Never- 
theless, for myself, I must say that the unavoidable presence of 
these dual mates was a source of much annoyance to me, and I 
cannot treat them with the generosity I might had the com- 
position been the work of another." 

A. F. M. 

No. 129. 

Solution: 

1. Ktfl, KxP; 2. Qg8+, Ke4; 

3. Bg6mate. 
Kd3; 2. Bg6+,Kc4; 

3. Kt e3 mate. 
Pc4; 2. Bf7, Kd3; 

3. Bg6mate. 

2. Bf7, else; 

3. QgGmate. 
Bbl; 2. Ktg3+, KxP; 

3. QgSmate. 

2. Ktg3+, Kelse; 

3. Qe2mate. 

" This is a very beautiful problem, and yet most unfortunate. 
Setting aside the key move, it is a splendid example of purity, 
economy and accuracy. The interchange in the work done by 
B, Q, and Kt in the several variations is charmingly delicate, and 
the problem would be a little gem but for the inartistic key. In 
this, however, we have a flaw which is fatal to its chances. The 
Kt is en prise to the king, and is at once removed to a place of 
safety. It is not as though several pieces were in danger at the 
same time, there is complete safety elsewhere; nor is the rescued 
Knight put en prise to another piece, nor is he merely supported, 
which would be a little less damaging; he is rescued ignominious- 
ly. We have not made an exhaustive examination whether any 
other key move could be adopted, because, having regard to the 
excellence of the problem in every other respect, we feel sure 
that it must be the work of a first-class composer, and this is 
certain proof that every effort in that direction has already 
been made without result. There are two slight inaccuracies; 
after 1, . . . Bc4; 2, Bd7, which threatens two mates, and if now 
2, . . .KxP, there are again two mating moves." 

Judges' Report. 



214 



CHESS LTRICS 



No. 130. 

Competitor in British Chess Magazine, Eighth Tourney, 1897-98. 

"In Dreamy Days." 

Judges: C. Planck, B. G. Laws. 



m i 







i dm H 






-'^^MiMm 

M. Mp..^=^.^" 

m. m.k 



•////////// ^'^' ^ ^^^^^^ 




-1.™^ 




White to mate in three moves. 



CHESS LYRICS 215 



No. 130. 





Solution: 


. Qg4, KxP; 


2. 


Kte3+, PxKt; 




3. 


Pe4 mate. 


PxP; 


2. 


KtxP4., KxP; 




3. 


Qg8 mate. 




2. 


KtxP+, Ke3; 




3. 


Qf3 mate. 


Kd3; 


2. 


Ktb2+, KxP; 




3. 


Qg7 mate. 




2. 


Ktb2+, Ke4; 




3; 


Qe6 mate. 


Pe2; 


2. 


Pf3+, Kd3; 




3. 


Kt e5 mate. 




2. 


Pf3+, KxP; 




3. 


Qg8 mate. 


Bc2; 


2. 


Qf3+,Kf5; 




3. 


BxB mate. 




2. 


Qf3+, Kd3; 




3. 


Kt e5 mate. 


Pb5; 


2. 


Bb3+, any; 




3. 


Kt c5 mate. 



16 



CHESS LTRICS 



No. 131. 



Fifth Best, Manchester Weekly Times, 1898. 











11 




I i ■ m ill 



;^ii-%^ ^ 






W. ■ 




1% (*1 




. ^mfTw^ 



1 



f£ 



WHITE 



White to mate in two moves. 



CHESS LTRICS 



217 



No. 131. 



Solution: 


, Rc4, Re2; 


2. KxP mate. 


Re3; 


2. Kd2mate. 


Relse; 


2. Re4mate. 


PxB; 


2. KxP mate. 


Pd2; 


2. QeTmate. 


Pa4; 


2. Kb4mate. 


Pc5; 


2. Qd5mate. 


Pg3; 


2. KtfSmate. 


Qf4; 


2. Rc5 mate. 


QxR; 


2. KtxPmate 



218 



CHESS LYRICS 



No. I3Z 



Competitor in St. Petersburg Zeitung, 1898. 
"In Utrumque Paratus." 
Judges: J. Berger, C, Behting. 



BLACK 



■ 



^p 





m^ w////M^^ mm/y.^^^ 

IS^ WMa #^, 

<^jf^ o pi^f p 

^A'^ ^B W# A i 

fgf ^ i« ^ ^ 

w/////m 



1^ 





■ 




White to mate in three moves. 



CHESS LYRICS 219 



No. 132. 

Solution: 

1. Pa4, Ktc6; 2. Rf6, Kd6; 
3. Ktf5mate. 

2. Rf6, KxR; 

3. Qg5 mate. 

2. Rf6, else; 

3. Qf4mate. 
KtxP; 2. Qa3, KxR; 

3. Kte2mate. 

2. Qa3, else; 

3. Rf5mate. 
Ktd7; 2. Ktf5+, KxP; 

3. Qb3mate. 
Ktc7; 2. Rf5+, Kd6; 
3. Qa3 mate. 

"A skilfully worked out design. The two leading variations 
are fine. It is a pity the White King was not made use of. The 
key is by no means easy, and it is curious that with so much 
material in such close quarters to the Black King, the problem 
is sound." 

B. G. Laws in B. C. M. 



220 



CHESS LTRICS 



No. I33. 



Competitor in St. Petersburg Zeitung. 1898. 
"Musa, Mihi Causas Memora." 
Judges: J. Berger, C. Behting. 



^^m. 



;^^^^ 



i 




11 

ii 




(m± 











^^^^ 



■^1 





m. 



'^ 



White to mate in three moves. 



CHESS LYRICS 221 



No. 133. 

Solution: 

1. Kte5, Pf4; 2. Ktf4, KxR; 

3. Ktg4mate. 

2. Ktf4, else; 

3. QxPmate. 
BxR; 2. Kte7, Pf6; 

3. QdGmate. 

2. Kte7, else; 

3. QxPmate. 
KxKt; 2. Bf8, Kd4; 

3. Rd3mate. 

2. Bf8, BxR; 

3. Qd6mate. 
Kc5; 2. Ktc7, Kd6; 

3. BfSmate. 
threat; 2. Rd3+, Kc5; 
3. QxPmate. 

"The very inartistic key is the best the position admits of, 
and, I need hardly say, I accepted the inevitable with reluctance 
and regret, since with a fair key it would, I think, be a tolerably 
good problem. There are four quiet continuations, in three of 
which there is a model mate, whilst in the fourth there are two 
mates economical and but slightly impure." 

A. F. M. 



222 



CHESS LTRICS 



No. 134. 



First Prize, Bohemian Chess Club, 1898. 
"Ceske Listy Sachove." 
"Simplex Munditiis." 
Judges: J. Dobrusky, G. Chocholous, A. Kvicala. 




1 '^^M P^M 

m. 



w/////^. 



i III ■ m 



mm X ^p ^ 





White to mate in three moves. 



CHESS LTRICS 223 

No. 134. 





SOLUTIO 


•n: 


. Qh3, Pg4; 


2. 


Qh6, KxR; 




3. 


Kt d7 mate. 




2. 


Qh6, else; 




3. 


Rdo mate. 


Pf2; 


2. 


QxP, BxB; 




3. 


Kt d7 mate. 


KxR 


; 2. 


Ktd7+, KxP; 




3. 


Be5 mate. 


Ke3; 


2. 


Kt d5+, KxB ; 




3. 


Qh7 mate. 




2. 


Ktd5+, Kf2; 




3. 


Bd4 mate. 


Rcl; 


2. 


Qf5, RxR; 




3. 


Kt d5 mate. 




2. 


Qf5, Ke3; 




3. 


Kt g4 mate. 



" This masterpiece received the First Prize in the Internation- 
al Bohemian Problem Tourney. In the recently finished tourney 
of the Berlin Schachfreund a three-mover attained the Second 
Prize, which combines two of the beautiful four variations of 
Mackenzie's problem, one a quiet and one a forced one, but 
these are led up to in an entirely different and original way; the 
problem is distinctly a by-product or the development of a 
former version of the Bohemian Prize-winner. 

It results from a fundamental misunderstanding of the 
problem art, if the Berlin Editors condemn the work as essen- 
tially a reproduction. 

That previous problem, which heretofore ranked as Mack- 
enzie's masterpiece, the First Prize Winner in an English Tourney 
contains the same combination of ideas, uniting indeed three of 
the four plays developed in the Bohemian problem, and resem- 
bles this one much more closely than does the Berlin problem. 

Either the Bohemian judges did not remember this older 
product or else they have given their verdict, in perfectly justi- 
fied consideration of the extraordinary achievement , which could 



224 CHESS LTRICS 

only result from intense, year-long reworking of a given web of 
ideas. 

Whether the Bohemian problem is the last and most per- 
fect form in which Mackenzie can dress his so successful com- 
bination, remains for the future to show. Perchance he can once 
more surpass it. In any case, the Berlin Management has been 
unhappy in entering a protest against this problem in defense 
of its ideas of justice. One can protest as little against master- 
pieces as one can against the weather. They simply turn up. 
The Berlin judges should have remembered Mackenzie's older 
work ; then the fruitless protest would have been spared to them." 

Adolf Bayersdorfer. 

See Nos. 114, 128 and 147. 

"A really splendid problem, and well worthy its distin- 
guished position in the award. The quiet second moves, leading 
in two cases to beautiful mates, are particularly fine, and added 
to this the two checking continuations result in highly artistic 
mates. The key move is the greatest weakness of the problem,, 
but one can well overlook a slightly indifferent opening when such 
fine compensating strategy is exemplified in the after-play. 
There are some third-move duals, which might offend the taste 
of some, but by the nature of the play these could not possibly 
have been removed, and to our mind are minute blemishes not 
worth taking into consideration. In the composition of this 
three-mover one can trace the hand of the author of the first- 
prize problem in our last three-move competition. We signal 
our admiration for the Ceske Listy Sachove gem by stating we 
consider it the finest three-mover which Mr. Mackenzie has 
contributed to problem literature, and it must be regarded as a 
masterpiece." 

B. G. Laws in B. C. M., May, 1899. 

"Further examination and comparison of the problems by 
Mr. Mackenzie which were respectively awarded First Prizes in 
the "Brighton Society,"" British Chess Magazine" 1897, and 
"Bohemian Chess Club" Tourneys, and Second Prize in "Der 
Schachfreund " Tourney have tended to confirm the views which 
I previously expressed on this subject. 

Admitting that a considerable thematic likeness does exist 
between these four positions, and that the general treatment of 
the theme is marked, in each, by a certain individuality of style 
which seems to suggest that the problems are the work of one 



CHESS LTRICS 225 

composer, I hold, nevertheless that the variation between them 
is sufficient to entitle each to take rank as a distinct creation. 

The resemblance lies mainly in the quiet second moves of 
the White Queen and in the characteristic mate with Knight 
which follows the defence 2, . . . KxR. Apart from this the 
only striking feature in common is the "longshot" mate with Q 
which occurs in three of the four problems. Moreover, a com- 
parison of the strategy underlying the variations 1 . . . PxR,. 
2. Qc8, &c., and 1 . . . Bg2, 2. Qg8 in the "Brighton Society"" 
problem, 1 . , . Pf4, 2. Qc6, in the British Chess Magazine 
problem, 1 . . . Pg4, 2. Qh6 &c., and 1. Pf2, 2. QxP&c, in the 
Bohemian problem and 1 . . . KtxR, 2. Qd2 in "Der Schach- 
freund" problem, shows that the defensive manoeuvre pre- 
ceding and inducing White's second move differs essentially 
in each case, a point which it is important not to overlook in 
considering the analogy between these variations. 

In the case of the " B. C. M." prize winner, beyond a general 
similarity of style, the points of likeness to the remaining prob- 
lems appear to me to be so shadowy and ill defined that this 
position may safely be left out of the discussion. Even in the 
variation 1 . . . Pf4, 2. Qc6, KxR, 3. Kt g4, the mate is differen- 
tiated by the fact that the White Queen guards the diagonal of 
opposite color to that on which the Black King stands, whereas; 
in the corresponding mates in each of the other positions, her 
guard is either lateral or on the diagonal of the same color. 

The likeness between the "Brighton Society," "Bohemian," 
and "Schachfreund," problems is somewhat stronger, but, whert 
every deduction has been made on this account, there still 
remains, in each, a balance of new and distinctive play, which, 
in my judgment, entitles it to rank as an independent compo- 
sition." 

Godfrey Heathcote, Aug. 31, 1903. 



226 



CHESS LTRICS 



No* 135. 

Fourth Prize, Kentish Mercury, 1898. 
Judges: B. G. Laws, S. Tinsley. 




■ 









m. ^ 






m ^ mm. 



i..^...i5m 'mm. 








1 ... . #J5551 



fm 



^ 



White to mate in two moves. 



CHESS LYRICS 227 



No. 135. 





Solution: 


Pf6, 


KxR; 


2. 


Bf5 mate. 




PxR; 


2. 


Kt g5 mate, 




BxB; 


2. 


KtxP mate. 




Pf3; 


2. 


Rd4 mate. 




KtxP; 


2. 


Bc6 mate. 




Ktelse; 


2. 


Qh7 mate. 



"A nice problem, but ^ith a rather mild key. The White 
Pa\rn at f5 has been added solely to provide a more or less satis- 
factory opening. Generally such devices fall short in effect. 
No doubt in this case the composer was hard pressed to find a 
key move which would come within the limits of toleration. 
There are but six variations, four being pure though not truly 
economical, as it is seen in every mating position White has 
superfluous force. The problem has some similarity to other 
published positions, but its tout ensemble is sufficiently char- 
acteristic to consider it among the more prominent problems 
submitted to me." 

Report of B. G. Laws. 



228 



CHESS LTRICS 



No. 136* 



Honorable Mention in Kentish Mercury, 1898. 
"The Sunflower." 
Judges; B. G. Laws, S. Tinsley. 



BLACK 



^. v/Jm 








IS 



imi 



^^ ^» ^p ^ 1 

wm 




m W^J^y. 




1 



i^ 





1. 




WHITE 



White to mate in two moves. 



CHESS LYRICS 229 



No* 


136. 


Solution: 


1. Rg3, Ktd3; 


2. BfSmate. 


Pd4; 


2. Ktf6mate. 


Pf4; 


2. Ktd6mate, 


BxR; 


2. KtxB mate. 


threat ; 


2. QeSmate. 



230 



CHESS LYRICS 



No^ 137. 

First Prize, Eighth Toumey, Brighton Society, 1898-99. 

"A Summer Sunbeam." 

Judges: C. Planck, A. E. Studd. 




m 



if i m 







m. 




m * mm. 




m V/)yP;yM 



Bii 



m 










ill 







WHITE 



White to mate in two moves. 



CHESS LYRICS 



231 



The remarkable similarity between the first and third prize 
winners in this tourney is accentuated by the fact that both 
composers are blind. One can understand the hope of the 
Editor of Deutsches Wochenschach, that Mr. Mackenzie and 
Mr. Lane are not one and the same person! Commenting on 
these problems the judges said: — 

"These are practically different editions of the same prob- 
lem, and run a very close race, but No. 137 just wins in my 
estimation. In crude economy alone it stands ahead with 3.44 
pawns per mate as against 3.46, and in the defense 2.03 pawns 
per mate as compared with 2.29. The duplication of the dis- 
covery by the B. (a distinct feature) helps it, and though the 
threatened check with the R. is bad, it leads by one point at the 
finish." 

C. Planck. 

"I consider No. 137 quite the best of the direct-mate prob- 
lems. The long flight of the Q. (though somewhat familiar) 
forms a good key, and it is to be remarked that though her origi- 
nal position is somewhat far removed from the scene of action, 
the square to which she travels is equally so. The mates are well 
arranged, and nearly all good, those after the replies 1 . . . ReS 
and 1 . . . Re5 being excellent. An illustration of the cunning 
of the "old hand" (for no novice composed this problem) is 
supplied by the mate in the latter case where the W. B. at g5 
guards the mating R. from the Black B." 

A. E. Studd. 



No. I37a. 

Third Prize by H. W. Lane in B. S. Toumey. 
BLACK 




WHITE 

White to mate in two moves. 
1. Qa2. 



232 



CHESS LYRICS 



No. 138. 



Competitor in "The House" Tourney, 1898. 
"Concordia." 







PfJ,P®i k 




i 



1 



i 



1 



'WM '''^M 



X WfW' 
8. *..^SJ^ 1^^ 



m^^-'mm. 



WHITE 



White to mate in two moves. 



CHESS LrRICS. 



2:5 



No. 137. 



I. Qa2, 





So] 


lution: 


RxQ; 


2. Bf3 mate. 


Re3+; 


2. Bg3 mate. 


RxR; 


2. KtxRmate 


Pb4 




2. Qc4 mate. 


Pd2 




2. Bc2mate. 


Re5 




2. BgSmate. 


Re6 




2. QxRmate. 


Re8 




2. QaSmate. 


Kta 


ny; 


2. KtgSmate 



1. Be8, 



No. 138. 



Solution: 


KxR; 


2. BcGmate. 


KtxR; 


2. BxPmate. 


Rb4; 


2. KtxP mate 


Bd3; 


2. Re5 mate. 


KtxP; 


2. QxKtmate 


else; 


2. QxPmate. 


(Note on 


page 235.) 



I 



234 



CHESS LYRICS 



No- 139. 



First Prize, Fourth Tourney, Sydney Morning Herald, 1898-E 
"Quicksands." 
Judge: J. J. Glynn. 



i. 








wm i 



'Zy/////^, 



1^1 



m ■,4 






mm'^'-m^. 





m .... ^//////v/. 



^ s ill ^ 



White to mate in two moves. 



CHESS LYRICS 


No. 


139. 


Solution: 


Bd8, KtxR; 


2. BxB mate. 


KxR; 


2. QfGmate. 


QxP+; 


2. QxQ mate. 


Bf7; 


2. Ktc6mate, 


Re3; 


2. RdSmate. 


Ktg3; 


2. KtfSmate. 


threat ; 


2. Qf4mate. 



235 



One hundred and eight problems were entered in this tourney, 
which the Judge classified as follows: One "perfect"; six of 
"exceptional merit " ; thirty seven "fine as strategems " ; fifty- two 
weak in two or more of the "necessary characteristics of com- 
peting problems " ; 12 "unsound," 



"The question of what is Black's strongest move in a problem 
formed a feature in a discussion between Mr. A. F. Mackenzie and 
Mr. Cudmore in the July, October, December and February 
numbers of the "British Chess Magazine." There was a good 
deal of resemblance between a problem called "Concordia," 
with which Mr. Mackenzie competed in the "House" tourney, 
and one called "Quicksands," with which he won first prize 
in the 1898-99 tourney of the "Sydney Morning Herald." Mr. 
Cudmore was a judge in the former tourney, and when the 
Sydney award was published, he charged Mr. Mackenzie with 
having used in two different competitions "two positions, to all 
intents and purposes identical, notwithstanding the difi^erence 
in construction." Mr. Mackenzie's reply was to the effect 
that "in these days, originality in two-movers is to be found only 
in the blending of ideas, or the presenting of old designs in a new 
dress." Whilst admitting that "the plan of the key move is 
identical in both cases," he maintained that "there are neverthe- 
less distinct features embodied in each of the problems in ques- 
tion that would entitle it to rank as an independent position, 
and in particular "that in each problem the chief mate, that 
which follows Black's strongest move (KxR) is entirely different 
and forms a vital feature of distinction between the two positions. 
In reply, Mr. Cudmore said : "I have always been led to suppose 
that the strongest move on the part of the defence is the one 
which exerts the most potent influence in compelling the strategy 
associated with the key move. If this is the correct view, and I 
have no doubt of it whatever in my own mind, then, the strongest 
move on the part of Black is not KxR, as Mr. Mackenzie is 
anxious for us to believe, but KtxR, since the latter move is the 
one that not only decides which way the key-piece must move^ 



236 CHESS LTRICS 

but also determines the very square it must occupy in its new- 
position. As an absolute matter of fact, the move KxRisat the 
lower end of the scale strategically." 

Mr. Mackenzie's answer to this is "that, generally speaking. 
Black's strongest move is that which demands White's best 
reply, the mainplay or leader; and every recognized authority 
would, without the slightest shadow of a doubt, pronounce the 
best mate in the 'House' ('Concordia') to be that after KxR." 
. . . "There may be a difference of opinion as to which is the 
leader in the 'Herald' problem ('Quicksands')"; but Mr. 
Cudmore ' ' cannot get rid of the hard fact that KxR brings about 
at least one of the leading mates in the two problems, and that 
they are entirely and essentially different in both cases." 

In a letter from Mr. Mackenzie, from which we have already 
published extracts dealing with other subjects, he writes to us the 
following, which may prove of interest to those who have read 
the discussion quoted above: — "Have you ever given any con- 
sideration to the question of what is Black's strongest move in a 
problem? The subject has been lightly touched upon in the 
correspondence betw^een Mr. Cudmore and myself. It is not an 
uninteresting one, and one that I do not think has ever been 
discussed at length. Mr. Cudmore's idea that the strongest 
move is that which forces and fixes the key has a certain amount 
of force in certain particular cases, but it has no general applica- 
tion. He looks at the matter from a standpoint before the key 
is made, when the move is only an imaginary one; but after the 
key is made, w^hen it really becomes Black's turn to play, the 
whole aspect of the situation may be changed, and his strongest 
move may be the weakest on the board. My simple claim that 
Black's strongest move is that which demands White's best 
reply must be logically sound in all cases. Of course there might 
be two or three moves on this principle of equal strength and 
importance." 

S. S. Blackburne, in Canterbury Times, 

July 4, 1900. 

"In the November and February numbers of the "British 
Chess Magazine," a discussion took place between Mr. Mackenzie 
and the Problem Editor, Mr. B. G. Laws, on the subject of 
Unity vs. Complexity in Two-movers. The discussion arose out 
of some criticisms by Mr. Laws upon Mr. Mackenzie's problem 
"Quicksands," which won the first prize last year in the 
"Sydney Morning Herald" Two-move Problem Tourney. Mr. 
Laws expressed the opinion that there was "too much padding, 
and consequently 'fringe,' in this problem.," and he proceeded to 
make of it a revised position, "stripped of some of its 
qtiestionable embellishments." Commenting on his work of 
reconstruction, Mr. Laws said: 

"In doing all this, some composers may consider we have 
pkicked petals from the flower, but we are more than ever strong- 
ly of opinion that Unity is a particular desideratum in problems 
and if a composer ignores this, he does not do justice to his 
skill." 



CHESS LYRICS 237 

Mr. Mackenzie objected to this treatment of his problem, 
and in answering Mr. Laws' criticisms, said: — "You state that 
Unity is a particular desideratum in problems. Of course there 
can be no possible objection to this; but if, as your remarks and 
the accompanying revision would suggest, you would link with 
it strict purity and economy, and uphold the practice of the 
Bohemian and German schools ; then I venture to say that how- 
ever admirably adapted to problems of a heavier calibre, as 
applied to two-movers the doctrine can only have a baneful 
effect. I do not mean to say but that it would be eminently 
desirable if two-movers cotild be successfully composed on 
these lines; but I contend that they cannot, and to insist upon 
theories which are not reasonably practicable is against the best 
interests of the art." . . . "Composing under these circum- 
scribed conditions would be to kill all chances of obtaining 
desirable originality." . . . "My lot is cast with those com- 
posers who, while recognizing that every particular case must be 
treated with all that purity, economy and unity which circum- 
stances permit, yet feel that if reasonable originality and desir- 
able worth are "to be obtained, the strict observance of those 
features must be held subservient to that wide, comprehensive 
complexity, which is to be found in the harmonious blending of 
different ideas." 

In reply, Mr. Laws wrote: — "We cannot help deploring the 
fact that two-move composers so often over-reach themselves 
in the endeavour to conglomerate in one production excessive 
effects. It must not be understood that we deprecate piquant 
variety, but unless this variety is the natural offspring of the 
nucleus of the constructed position, there are generally painful 
traces of strained effort to crowd more into the problem than the 
board can artistically carry. Whilst we lay great stress upon the 
subject of economy as understood by first-class modern com- 
posers, we indulge in a liberal tolerance in its altered aspect 
when applied to two-move composition." . . . "Unity is not 
only a striking but an essential feature in composition, whether 
in two-mover, three-mover, or four-mover." Mr. Laws then pro- 
ceeds to quote from "The Two-move Chess Problem," in which 
he refers to what he regards as "essential requirements" in a 
problem as "the union in one position of two or more meritorious 
ideas, and the employment of no pieces that, though useful in 
the carrying out of one, are inoperative in the others." 

Answering these remarks, Mr. Mackenzie wrote: — "The 
principle of unity of idea, pure and economical mates, together 
with fewness of pieces, is antagonistic to that comprehensive 
comf)lexity wherein alone w^e can hope for the attainment of 
reasonable originality in these problems (two-movers) . You feel 
the force of the situation as regards purity. But to my mind 
this does not go far enough. In the small compass of two- 
movers there should be concentrated strategy, fantastic, spark- 
ling, surprising, something that takes us for the moment out of 
the ordinary humdrum of chessic existence, and regales us with 
a good breezy spell of it. In the attainment of this it is some- 
times necessary not only to forget for the nonce the charms of 
purity, but also to look for strict unity through the wrong end of 



238 



CHESS LTRICS 



No. 140. 



Honorable Mention, Fourth Tourney, Sydney Morning Herald, 1898-99. 
"The Surprise." 
Judge: J. J. Glynn. 



BLACK 



ih 



^/m0^, Wy 



y/////////A ^ 

m 'mm 



ill i M ^ 




■ ■ 





m 



;%^-/^%^^^^^ w/////^.^ 




y/A y//7^//A 



4m 



ifli 



m. 



White to mate in two moves. 



CHESS LTRICS 239 

the telescope, and to interpret with the utmost generosity the 
law of economy." 

Being in correspondence with Mr. Mackenzie, we informed 
him that we entirely agreed with him in this matter, and in the 
letter which we received from him lately he remarks: — "I was 
much gratified to learn that you were so thoroughly of my way 
of thinking in the controversy with Mr. Laws. You will be 
pleased to learn that I have received similar expressions from 
English correspondents. I am sure the great majority of com- 
posers of the British and American schools share my views; 
while, of course, all the Continentals, and one or two English 
com.posers, such as Dr. Planck and Mr. Frankenstein, are with 
Mr. Laws, and, indeed, are even less liberal. It is only on this 
question that Mr. Laws and I differ. In every other respect 
our views and tastes are wonderfully alike." 

Mr. Mackenzie's problem "Quicksands" and Mr. Laws' 
revision of it are excellent illustrations of the difference between 
the two methods of construction. The problem was an unusually 
puzzling one for a two-mover, and its com.plexity led to numerous 
deceptive tries. The "Sydney Morning Herald" solvers sub- 
mitted no less than five false keys. Some credited the problem 
with as many as three solutions, one gave it two, a few pro- 
nounced it unsolvable, and less than one-fourth of the average 
number of solvers struck the right key. We feel sure that no 
such results would have followed if Mr. Laws' attenuated version 
of the problem had been submitted for solution instead of the 
original .... 

Writing on this subject, a few months ago, we expressed 
ourselves as follows: — "This feature (Unity) is also considered 
desirable, but not essential, in two-movers. Too rigid insistence 
on the principle of the united employment of all the major pieces 
in mating would, in two-movers, tend to prevent variety in the 
mates, and thus to destroy that amount of complexity which 
must attach to anything worthy of the name of a problem. The 
principle of economical mates should, however, always be kept 
in mind, even in two-movers, and should be approached as 
nearly as possible, consistently with due regard to complexity." 

S. S. Blackburne, in Canterbury Times, 

June 27, 1900. 



No. 140. 

Solution: 

1. Rbl, RxB; 2. RxR mate. 

KxB; 2. Rd2mate. 

PxR; 2. QhGmate. 

threat; 2. Rg6 mate. 



240 



CHESS LYRICS 



No* 141. 



First Prize, Heavyweight Section, New York Sun, 1898- 
" Here's to Hobson." 
Judges: F. M. Teed, G. E. Carpenter. 



BLACK 






^//////A 







w''.^^...'^f^7^''/. Wy//////. 



''''^.^7777^/^y. 






■ 



ill 



If 




m 



WHITE 



White to mate in three moves. 



CHESS LTRICS 241 

No. 141. 

Solution: 

I. Ba4, QRxQ; 2. Bb5, any; 
3. Bd3 mate. 
KRxQ; 2. Kt bo, Ktf5; 
3. KtxPmate. 

2. Ktb5, else; 

3. Ktd6mate. 
RxB; 2. QxR, RxR; 

3. Qf3mate. 
threat; 2. Qc2+, PxQ; 
3. BxPmate. 

The three move section of the N. Y. Sun's problem tourney 
was divided into three sub-sections for "Lightweights," "Mid- 
dleweights" and "Heavyweights." The original scheme of 
division was to have been as follows, measuring by units of 
force : 

White Queen 15 

Rooks, 9 each 18 

B's and Kt's, 5 20 

P's, 2 each 16 

Black force, except King, 1 each. . 15 

84 

Lightweights, under 40; Middleweights, 41-55; Heavyweights, 
over 56. The final division, however, did not take into account 
the Black force, and the limit for Lightweights was placed at 
32 units out of a maximum of 69. 

"The arrangement which produces the two fine lines of play 
shown in this solution is very clever, and to thoroughly master 
the difficulties of such a blend must have been very trying. 
There is a large number of pieces on the board, but the most 
noticeable point is the curious position of the White Queen. She 
stands at dj as a bait, and the charm of the problem is only 
revealed when she has been snapped up by one of the Rooks. 
In the other two variations the Queen moves, but they are not 
movements of singular point." 

B. G. Laws in B. C. M. 



242 



CHESS LYRICS 



No. 142. 



Honorable Mention, Middleweight Section, New York Sun, 1898-99. 

"Mirrored Purity." 

Judges: F. M. Teed, G. E. Carpenter. 



BLACK 



H 



.^//////A. 



i. 









^ 



i 






y/77P7///y. 



White to mate in three moves. 



CHESS LTRICS 243 



No. 142. 

Solution: 

1. Qa3, Kf4; 2. Qcl+, Ke5; 

3. BcSmate. 

Kf6; 2. Ktd7+, Kg5; 

3. Qcl mate. 

Kd4; 2. Ktc6+, Ke3; 

3. Qcl mate. 

Pf2; 2. Bd2, Kf6; 

3. KtdTmate. 

2. Bd2, Kd4; 

3. KtcGmate. 

2. Bd2, else; 

3. Qb2mate. 
Phl(Q); 2. Ktc6+, Kf4; 

3. Qcl mate. 

2. Ktc6+, Kf6; 

3. Qe7 mate. 
Ktc5; 2. Ktd7+, KtxKt; 

3. Qd6mate. 

2. Ktd7+, Kf4; 

3. Qcl mate. 

2. Ktd7+, Kd4; 

3. QxKtmate. 



244 



CHESS LTRICS 



No- 143. 



Version of Competitor in New York Sun, 1898-99. 
"A Little Bit of Loyd." 



Hi 







wm. 





m 






w, w/z/y/m 



■ i ■ i 






y/7^/97/. 




m 'S>A 







S...._...4&M 



A 




White to mate in three moves. 



CHESS LTRICS 245 



No. I43. 


Solution: 


; 2. 


Qe3+, PxQ; 


3. 


Pd4 mate. 


2. 


Qe3+. Pd4; 


3. 


Qe5 mate. 


2. 


Qg6. Kd4; 


3. 


Kt e6 mate. 


2. 


Qg6,Pd4; 


3. 


QxR mate. 


2. 


Qh7,Pd4; 


3. 


QxR mate. 


2. 


Qh7,RxQ; 


3. 


Pd4 mate. 


2. 


Pc3, PxP; 


3. 


QxP mate. 


2. 


Pc3, else; 


3. 


Qd4 mate. 


2. 


QxB+, Kd4 


3. 


Kt e6 mate. 


t; 2. 


QxR, Kd4; 


3. 


Kt e6 mate. 


2. 


QxR, else; 


3. 


Pd4 mate. 



1. Rdl, RxP; 
Rg5; 
Rh5; 
Ba2; 

BxP; 

threat; 



"This problem presents a clever theme scientifically ren- 
dered. It possesses but little difficulty, however, on account 
of the paucity of attack; and the scientific "flight-square" plays 
of the Queen develop of themselves. It is dressed up with Mr. 
Mackenzie's characteristic finish." 

Sam Loyd, Jan. 3, 1905. 

Mr. Loyd's eagle eye was evidently not led astray by the 
tries: l.Rel.RxP; 2. Re5! and 1. QxR, Ba2; 2. Rdl (or Rh5) ! 



246 



CHESS LYRICS 



No. 144. 



Third Prize, ex aequo, New York Sun, 1898-99. 
"Running the Gauntlet." 
Judges: F. M. Teed, G. E. Carpenter. 



BLACK 





, IHilH Mi 

Wi ^/////y//// V////y///// ''^^tT^T^, 



^* ^B^ 4Mi fei^ ,^ mmm 



m. 'mf\ 



%/////A 




W^. i'e^'^ 




i. 




■ I 

■///// 

i 



^ V/^T^M V/7^7^/^A 






m 'mi 



White to mate in two moves. 



CHESS LTRICS 247 



No. 144. 

Solution: 

1. Re8, Be4; 2. Ke7 mate. 

BxP; 2. KxBmate. 

Bd3; 2. Qalmate. 

B else; 2. Kt c2 mate- 

Pd5; 2. KfTmate. 

Pg4; 2. KgSmate. 

Ph6; 2. KgGmate. 

Pa5; 2. KtxP mate. 

Pb4; 2. Rc4mate. 

Rg4; 2. QxRmate. 



248 CHESS LTRtCS 

No. 145. 

Competitor m Fourth Tourney, Sydney Morning Herald, 1898-99. 
"Just as I am." 
Judge: J. J. Glynn. 



wm, mm -m^. Wa 






WHITE 

White to mate in two moves. 



No. 146. 



Competitor in New York Sun 1898-99. 

"The Blockade." 

Judges: P. M. Teed, G. E. Carpenter. 

BLACK 




WHITE 

White to mate in two moves. 



CHESS LYRICS 



249 



1. Ph6, 



1. Bh8, 



No. 


145* 


Solution: 


Ktc2; 


2. Qh5mate. 


Ktd5; 


2. QReGmate. 


Ktf5; 


2. KRe6mate. 


KKtelse; 


2. Bd4mate. 


Pf3; 


2. Bg3 mate. 


Bg6+; 


2. KtxB mate. 


B else; 


2. Qal mate. 


QKt any; 


2. KKtdTmate 


No. 


146. 


Solution: 


Pe5; 


2. Kg7 mate. 


Pe6; 


2. Kt d6 mate. 


Pb3; 


2. QKtxPmate. 


Bh2; 


2. KxRmate. 


Ktd3; 


2. Bg2mate. 


Ktf3; 


2. KfVmate. 


Pg4; 


2. Rf4mate. 


threat ; 


2. QxKPmate. 



250 



CHESS LTRICS 



No* 147* 



Second Prize, Der Schachfreund, 1898-99. 
"Respice Finem." 
Judges: R. Steinweg, H. Keidanski, G. Buchmann. 









^y, 'yf^hy>y. 






'md mm 

m m 



m Vy^M^ #J5551 



i^ 



#^^...._.,..Mwi 





m 




m mm. 

ill i 



iMl 



wm 





Wa '4MA. 



m 
1 y/dn^A 





White to mate in three moves. 



CHESS LYRICS 251 

No- 147. 

Solution: 

1. Rh2, KtxR; 2. Qd2, KxR; 
3. KtcGmate. 

2. Qd2, else; 

3. Re6mate. 
Kg5; 2. Kte6+, KxP; 

3. Qblmate. 
Ktelse; 2. RxP, any; 

3. Q or R mate, 
other; 2. Kt e6+, etc. 

"Two hidden variations, leading to economically pure 
mates, constitute the foundation of an idea whose form we can 
well call charming and whose presentation is eminently success- 
ful. The quiet and attractive position contains a crowd of 
interesting tries. As a further quality of the problem we must 
call attention to its correctness, for in the handling of an im- 
pressive amount of White material the danger of fatal cooks and 
duals is undeniable. The Pawn at d7, whose promotion is 
meant to mislead the solver, does not point towards the real 
solution nearly as much as does the diagonal of the Bishop at al 
which is intercepted by two White pieces. The key is fine, if 
immediate in its effect; it causes in a really artistic manner the 
two principal variations, in which one has again to comment on 
the beauty of the second moves. The White Pawn at c4 prevents 
the spoiling of these very variations, since it keeps the White 
Queen from reaching e4. Similarly the Bishop at h8 has its 
purpose, as it defeats the close try 1. Pd8(Q), Kg5; 2. Re4+. The 
Black Pawn at h5 seems unnecessary however, at any rate we 
confess to have missed the possible purpose of the composer, to 
emphasize some idea or circumvent some defect by the use of this 
Pawn. Finally one cannot call serious fiaws'the dual and triple 
threats which are made possible by 1, . . . Bg7 and 1, . . . 
Pg2. These imperfections we do not think will in any wise in- 
terfere with the pleasure the solution of this position will afford 
every problem lover." 

Report of H. Keidanski. 



252 



CHESS LYRICS 



No. 148. 



Second Honorable Mention, Der Schachfreund, 1898-99. 

"Mimosa." 

Judges: R. Steinweg, H. Keidanski, G. Buchmann. 



I^-I 



wm. 



^■m 



wf 




mi 



v//////y/. *=*. Wy/zz/y 



^ '^/hTTJ^//. 



m 



w^. km 






1 



White to mate in two moves. 



CHESS LYRICS 253 



No. 148. 



1. Bg5, 



Solution: 


PxR; 


2. Be7mate. 


KxR; 


2. Qf4mate. 


Bc5; 


2. ReGmate. 


Ktc6; 


2. Ktc4mate. 


threat ; 


2. Qd4inate. 



"While the previously mentioned problems of the two- 
move section belong to the nobler class of Waiters, the present 
one has a direct threat, which in its rather forcible character is 
only rendered acceptable by the attractive key-move. Of the 
five defences, which Black can resort to, the mainplay leads to a 
pure and economical mate; a second, 1, . . . Bc5, will interest 
some solvers; while the remaining three can be dismissed as 
insignificant. The composer has satisfied the first Law of the 
Theory of Construction, as it is now universally understood, by 
the above-mentioned economical and pure main-play; yet from 
the artistic standpoint there are some defects, by reason of vrhich 
the problem, despite its merits, could not rank higher. The 
artistic merits of the Composition consist in the subtlety of the 
key, in the indirect co-operation of the White King (1. BxRP 
being only defeated by 1, . . . KRxB, not by 1, . . . Rg4), 
and in the excellent tries. The Black Pieces on bl, b2 and d3 
are necessary outposts, whose positions testify to skillful and 
experienced composition and give to the external aspect of the 
problem a lively air." 

Report of H. Keidanski. 



254 



CHESS LYRICS 



No- 149. 



First Prize, ex- aequo, Eighth Tourney, Brighton Society, 1899. 

"The Passing of the King." 

Judges: C. Planck, A. E. Studd. 



^ 



iH 








^ ^ ^P * f Si 



i. 



''A 




y////////y!'. 



li 



Sui-mate in two moves. 



CHESS LTRICS 



255 



"Very cleverly constructed, and finely conceived. The 
threat variation, 2. Kd7+ is especially good and makes this the 
most difficult problem in the tourney. The continuation after 
1, . . . Bf3 comes as a fine surprise. The two minor lines 
of play are not without value. The double utility of the Black 
Pawn at h5 shows skilful construction, and in one of those 
little points which a mere solver easily overlooks." 

C. Planck. 

•'A fine and difficult problem, though the position is some- 
what heavy and artificial. The mates are admirably arranged, 
that resulting when the Black B goes to f3 being especially good." 

A. E. Studd. 

"As illustrative of some of the difficulties under which a 
sans voir composer may have to labor, I may say that I composed 
this problem, and mentally settled it as a completed production, 
with nine Black Pawns on the board! On the very eve of 
despatching to the tourney this amusingly impossible position, 
that mysterious Something, whose silent voice so often prompts 
and guides us, induced me to count the Black Pawns, with the 
result that the White Pawn on g6 was made to take the place 
of a Black Pawn on hi. Of course a composer working with 
board and men could never have fallen into such an error, since 
he would have had at his command no more than the proper 
number of pawns." 

A. F. M. 

A well known problem by Mr. W. A. Shinkman, see No. 
149a, shows the two principal mates of Mr. Mackenzie's master- 
piece combined in a somewhat different setting. 



No. I49a. 

W. A. Shinkman. 
BLACK 




WHITE 

Sui-mate in two moves. 



256 



CHESS LYRICS 



No. 150. 



First Prize, Brighton Society, Ninth (Informal) Tourney, 1899. 

"A Dash for a Throne." 

Judge- G. Hume. 



BLACK 






n 






i 



iiaiiaMii 



Yv/.////: 




y////^v//A m 










m 



y/A^ y^/./////^/. 







White to mate in three moves. 



CHESS LTRICS 257 

No* 149* 

Solution: 

1. Qe8, Bf3; 2. KxR+, Bd5 mate. 

Ktb6; 2. QxP+, KxQ mate. 

Pb6; 2. Qc6+, Rc5 mate, 

other; 2. Kd7+, Rd5 mate. 



No. I49a. 

Solution: 

1. Qb6, PxQ; 2. Kb4+, Rd4 mate. 

Bf2; 2. KxR+, Bd4 mate. 



No. 150. 



Solution: 


. Qb4, PxQ; 


2. 


BxP, KxR; 




3. 


Bc4 mate. 




2. 


BxP, else; 




3. 


Bd7 mate. 


KxR; 


2. 


QxBP+, KxQ; 




3. 


RxP mate. 




2. 


QxBP+, Ke6; 




3. 


Kt d4 mate. 


KxKt; 


2. 


Ktf3+, Kg4; 




3. 


RxP mate. 




2. 


Ktf3+, Ke6; 




3. 


QxP mate. 


else; 


2, 


QxKP, any; 




3! 


Q or R mate. 



"I had httle difficulty in selecting this as the best. In 
brilliancy and difficulty it stands well to the front, and in econ- 
omy is not so bad as a casual glance might lead one to suppose. 
Queen, Rook, and Bishop all appear to be much out of play, but 
each actively and effectively takes part in the fray, and the 
chief mates are all that can be desired. There are some fair 
'tries,' and personally I found it tmusually difficult to solve." 

Judge's Report. 



258 



CHESS LTRICS 



No. I5L 



Honorable Mention, Second Tourney, Aftonbladet, 1899. 
"Les Etoiles." 
Judges: R. Sahlberg, J. A. Ros, F. Englund. 




11 



m 



i^ iJM mm.. 

—LBjI,-— B — 



^^1 











i ^1 







H ■ II 



C=^J 



WHITE 



White to mate in three moves. 



CHESS LTRICS 259 



No. 151. 

Solution: 

1. Pf5, Bd2; 2. Ka5, BxKt; 

3. Qa7 mate. 

2. Ka5, Kc5; 

3. KtbSmate. 

2. Ka5, Ke3; 

3. Kt g4 mate. 
Bf2; 2. Ka5, Ke3; 

3. Kt c4 mate. 
Ke3; 2. Ktc4+, Kf2; 

3. Qf4mate. 
threat; 2. Kt f3+, Ke3; 

3. Bd4mate. 

2. Ktf3+, Kc4; 

3. Qf4mate. 



260 



CHESS LYRICS 



/No. 152. 

Honorable Mention, Second Tourney, Aftonbladet, 1899. 

"My Dream." 

Judges: R. Sahlberg, J. A. Ros, F. Englund. 




^ . "p ^"^-^ ^^ 



m. ''<^////////> 




ii 




i H^s^fis. 

/////////y/. 









<^"(rr'^' 



WHITE 



White to mate in three moves. 



CHESS LYRICS 



261 



No. 152. 



Solution: 


1. Ktd7, Ke4; 


2. RxKP+, Kd3 




3. Be2mate. 


PxR; 


2. Qc8, any; 




3. KtcSmate. 


KtxR; 


2. Qf8,any; 




3. Kt c5 mate. 


BxR+; 


2. QxB,any; 




3. Kt c5 mate. 


threat ; 


2. QxQP+, any; 




3. Ktc5mate. 



262 



CHESS LYRICS 



No. 153. 



Version of Competitor in Aftonbladet, 1899. 
"Fleur de Lis." 



BLACK 



m 

i 



^Mm'/"""'-'-'mm m 



W///^/. 




m. 



Pi fi 

•yy/z/yy/Z/y 'yyy/y//A 



.. ill m. 



iVy/yyyy/yyy 



:'/////////. 

mmm. mm- - ^ 



m. 



4M. 



?//', '>7/////Ayy'. 





m,^^ VMMK 



White to mate in three moves. 



CHESS LYRICS 263 



No. 153. 



1- Qg4, 



Solution: 


Kd5; 


2. 


Qg8+, Ke4; 




3. 


Bg6 mate. 


Kd3; 


2. 


Bg64-,Kc4; 




3. 


Qe6 mate. 


Pc6; 


2. 


Bg6+, Kd5; 




3. 


Kt e3 mate. 


Ktd7; 


2. 


QxKt, any; 




3. 


Bg6 mate. 


Pc4; 


2. 


Bf7, Kd3; 




3. 


Bg6 mate. 




2. 


Bf7, else; 




3. 


Qg6 mate. 


threat; 


2. 


Ktf2+, Kd5; 




3. 


Qg8 mate. 




2. 


Ktf2+. Ke3; 




3. 


Qf3 mate. 



"A treat for lovers of purity, economy and natural variety. 
The key is far more difficult than one would think, and the threat 
very pretty, although attacking. There are several apparently 
set mating positions, which do not occur in the actual solution; 
while the try by 1 . Kf 2, Pb4 ! is probably as perfect a one as has ever 
existed in a problem: — a point further emphasized by the em- 
ployment of the defending Pawn as a block in one of the principal 
mates. Of the latter there are six distinct ones, no less than five 
of which are absolutely pure, and several ver}^ original. The 
play is delightfully varied, with a complete surprise after 
1 . . . Pc4, which introduces a very desirable 'quiet' varia- 
tion. The only dual is after 1 . . . Kt c6, and the extra mate 
is cleverly introduced by the placing of Black Rook, which 
allows 1 . . . Pc6 to defeat the initial threat." 

H. W. Barrv. Feb. 18, 1904. 



264 



CHESS LYRICS 



No. 154. 



Second Prize, Sixth Tourney, Otago Witness, N. Z.. 1899. 
Judges: R. A. Cleland, O. Balk. 





— ^M~ 



m kwi 




,^l ^ ^» ^ ^^»l 

« ■ P^^ '"" 

y^L Vk j^^^^ W^^^// ''V//////^/// 

%'////y///A ^^^^ Wy/>>^z_ _w^^m^. 



White to mate in three moves. 



CHESS LTRICS 265 



No. 


154. 


Solution: 


1. Rg6, Ke5; 


2. 


Qf44-,KxQ; 




3, 


Kt d5 mate. 




2. 


Qf4+, Kd4; 




3. 


Kt d7 mate. 


Pb4; 


2. 


Qc5+, KxQ; 




3. 


Kt d7 mate. 


Ktd2; 


2. 


Qc3+, KxQ; 




3. 


Kt d5 mate. 


Ktc3; 


2. 


QxB+, Ke5; 




3. 


Kt d5 mate. 


KtxKt; 


2. 


Kt d5+, Kx] 




3. 


Kt c3 mate. 


B any; 


2. 


Kt d5+, Kx] 




3. 


Qhl mate. 



There is a close try by 1. Rg8, defeated only by 1. . . Kt c3. 

"The cramped position of the Rook, and its apparent useless- 
ness where it now stands, is sufficient indication that it must 
make the key move. There are some clever points in this varied 
effort, and some of the variations are somewhat of a ptizzling 
nature. It is a good problem, and notwithstanding it does not 
have pretensions to being a specimen of the best style of modern 
problem, and is a little unsatisfactory in the Pawn arrangement, 
we consider it a finer entry than the first prize problem." 

B. G. Laws, in B. C. M. 



266 



CHESS LYRICS 



No- 155. 



Contributed to Otago Witness, 1900. 
Dedicated to Messrs. Cleland and Balk. 



y/////////. 





w. %Ul 



1 * ^B ^m. 'mm, 
'mm, . m 







White to mate in three moves. 



CHESS LYRICS 267 



No. 155. 

Solution: 

1. Ktf7, Ktc6; 2. Kte6+, KxB; 

3. Pe4 mate. 
Ktd7; 2. Kte6+, KxB; 

3. Qb7mate. 
KPB any; 2. Kt e6+, KxB; 

3. Qhl mate. 
Pc3; 2. Qb3, Kd4; 

3. QbGmate. 

2. Qb3, else; 

3. KteGmate. 
Kd4; 2. Qb6+, Kc3; 

3. Qb2mate. 
Pa5; 2. Pe3, any; 

3. QbSmate. 



268 



CHESS LYRICS 



No. 156. 



Second Prize, ex aequo, Eco degli Scacchi, 1899. 

"Circolo Scacchistico Palermitano." 

"Jacta Alea Est." 

Judge: Carlo Salvioli. 



BLACK 



P 

i 

yy/z/z/y 




'^gm-^-'^^^ 




m 



W/. 1^ 



y/zzz/zzzA 



^ 











P 

zzzzzzzz/y, 



WS^A 



im 

'^/z'/y/yy/Z/j 



mm 



ZZ^ ZZ/ZZZZZZZ/. 



%ZZZZZZZ/. '//^^Z^y 




WHITE 



White to mate in three moves. 



CHESS LTRICS 269 



No. 156. 



1. Ktc2, KxR: 

BxR; 
RxB; 



Solution: 


; 2. 


Qg6+,Kf3; 


3. 


Qg4 mate. 


2. 


Qg6+, Kelse; 


3. 


Qe6 mate. 


; 2. 


Qa6+, PxQ; 


3. 


BxP mate. 


; 2. 


Qh5, KxR; 


3. 


Kt c5 mate. 


2. 


Qh5, BxR; 


3. 


Qb5 mate. 


2. 


Qh5, Bf3; 


3. 


Qd5 mate. 


2. 


Qh5, Kte3; 


3. 


Rd4 mate. 


2. 


Qh5, Rd8; 


3. 


Qe2 mate. 


2. 


Rd4+, Ke2; 


3. 


Kt c3 mate. 


any; 2. 


Ktc5+, Kc3; 


3. 


Qf6 mate. 



Bf3 



KtPany; 2. Qc6, Ktd2; 
3. Re3mate. 



270 



CHESS LYRICS 



No- 157, 



Competitor in the unfinished tourney of American Chess Magazine, 1899. 
"Do not Stand in Doubt." 



BLACK 



mju^. 




181 i I 



'w/////// yy. 



if mih 







m 



e 1 



m 



in S ■ I m. 



v/7pzv//y. ^-^ v/////m ^ yS^/. 





^ ^//^/^//, -^^^^Z^y 



WHITE 



White to mate in three moves. 



CHESS LYRICS 271 



No. 157. 



1. Qg4, PxQ; 

Ke6; 
Kc5; 



2. 


Kt e4, KxKt 


3. 


Kt g5 mate. 


2. 


Kte4, Ke6; 


3. 


Kt e5 mate. 


2. 


QxP+, KxQ; 


3. 


Kt e5 mate. 


2. 


Qf3, Kb6; 


3. 


Qc6 mate. 



272 



CHESS LYRICS 



No. I58. 



Competitor in the unfinished tourney of American Chess Magazine, 1899. 
"Little Bo-Peep." 



BLACK 





m 'mm. 'mm ^ /mm, 

mi 



f 







wm ^'^ 1 



m 



WHITE 



White to mate in three moves. 



CHESS LYRICS 27 J 



No. 158. 

Solution: 

1. Qh3, Kc4; 2. Qd3+, KxQ; 

3. Bfl mate. 
Pf5; 2. Qc3, KxR; 

3. KtgSmate. 

2. Qc3, PxKt; 

3. Rd6 mate. 
Pg5; 2. Qe3, KxR; 

3. Ktd6mate. 

2. Qe3, Kc4; 

3. KtdGmate. 



274 



CHESS LYRICS 



No. 159. 



First Special Prize, Fifth Tourney, Sydney Morning Herald, 1899-00. 
"Lest We Forget." 
Judge: J. J. Glynn. 




II 




^»P"" 



m 



'/////A 






Mm 














WHITE 



White to mate in two moves. 



CHESS LYRICS 275 



1. QeL 



No. 159. 



Solution: 


BxQ; 


2. Kt e3 mate. 


Bel; 


2. QxQmate. 


QxB; 


2. QxB mate. 


QxP; 


2. KtxQmate. 


Qb4; 


2. RcSmate. 


Qc5; 


2. QRd6mate. 


QRany; 


2. KtxPmate. 


PxB; 


2. KRd6mate. 


KRany; 


2. QeSmate. 


KtxR; 


2. QxKtmate. 


Ktelse; 


2. Qe4 mate. 



"A clever piece of bi-move mechanism. The key is very 
good, but the majority of the mates are awkward, though some 
are pointed. The chief constructive feature is the skilful way 
duals are avoided. At first it appears several duals must exist, 
but the author has ingeniously worked them out." 

B. G. Laws in B. C. M. 



276 



CHESS LYRICS 



No. 160. 



Second Special Prize, Fifth Tourney, Sydney Morning Herald, 1899-00. 
"Spot on the Sun," 
Judge: J. J. Glynn. 



BLACK 



H 



'T77/////y/, 



fMf 



m 



m 
P 1 




m wm wm i 



ill im m$ mm 

CSl ifei is 43m 




lli 





1 



^ I^S, 



W////M.. 



p^ 



:>/^/ \^^ 







rt^'^ ^ 




WHITE 



White to mate in two moves. 



CHESS LTRICS 277 



No. 160. 





Solution: 


. Rd8, Qd4; 




2. KtdTmate. 


Re4; 




2. KtdSmate. 


Rb7; 




2. Kta4mate. 


Qb2; 




2. KtaGmate. 


Pb2; 




2. QcSmate. 


Re2; 




2. KtfSmate. 


KRelse; 


2. QeSmate. 


BxP; 




2. KtxB mate. 


QRelse; 


2. BxKt mate. 


Pc3; 




2. Pd4mate. 



"The idea of this problem has a freshness seldom met with 
now-a-days. The four discovered mates are we believe novel. 
The key has its points, though the moving piece is pretty obvious ; 
the reason why 1. Rd7 will not answer is one of those niceties 
much appreciated and enjoyed by the solver. There is only one 
dual (when 1 . . . Qc3), and that is fairly harmless." 

B. G. Laws, in B. C. M. 



278 



CHESS LYRICS 



No. 161. 



First Honorable Mention, Fifth Toumey, Sydney Morning Herald, 1899-1900. 
"Queen o' the May." 
Judge: J. J. Glynn. 



BLACK 






Mi' 



'^, 







i 'Wi 





■ 






^^^^r--^^ 



^1 ■ ■ 




4. W^M_ 



■©■ 




WHITE 



White to mate in two moves. 



CHESS LrRICS 279 



No. I6J 



Solution: 


1. Rh5, Pa5; 


2. RhGmate. 


Ph6; 


2. QgGmate. 


RxQ; 


2. PaSmate. 


RxP; 


2. KtxR mate. 


QRelse; 


2. Qglmate. 


KtxR; 


2. Bglmate. 


KRany; 


2. Rb7mate. 


KtxQ; 


2. Ktc4mate 



"A capital key-move, with some interesting mates. 1. Bgl 
looks a promising opening, and doubtless has put not a few- 
solvers off the track. We like this problem as well as any of Mr. 
Mackenzie's quintette in this Tourney." 

B. G. Laws in B. C. M. 



280 



CHESS LYRICS 



No. 162. 

Second Honorable Mention, Fifth Tourney, Sydney Morning Herald, 1899-00. 

"Between Two Fires." 

Judge: J. J. Glynn. 



BLACK 



mih 




^ w////////. 





P 



mm 




B 



^ 











ill 6 



sl 



J 

^ y////////A y//7777^yyy y///////// ± 







White to mate in two moves. 



CHESS LTRICS 281 



1. Qgi, 



No. 162. 



So] 


lution: 


Ke4; 


2. KtfGmate. 


Ktc5; 


2. KtcSmate, 


Ktd6; 


2. Ktf6mate. 


Pe4; 


2. QxQ mate. 


RxQ; 


2. Pe4 mate. 


Qd3+; 


2. Pe4mate. 



"In his review of this problem in his admirable Problem 
World in the British Chess Magazine, Mr. B. G. Laws remarked 
that the B. R. on h5 and the B. P. on h2 were useless. This was 
rather a suggestion than a positive assertion, and had Mr. Laws 
gone more deeply into the matter he would have seen that the 
B. R. prevents a second solution by 1. Qf3+. As to the need of 
the B. P., that is more a matter of opinion. To my mind it adds 
piquancy to the key, and I would never hesitate to make such an 
addition." « 

A. F. M. 



282 



CHESS LYRICS 



No. 163. 



Third Honorable Mention, Fifth Tourney, Sydney Morning Herald, 1899-1900. 
"The Rontgen Rays." 
Judge: J. J. Glynn. 




m^m 



^ p 



wm ffii 

m///M '///////M v//////////. 

Ifii A ^B ^' ^ 

€Sl '^ i^ ^« ^^ 
I ^ '" " 



J- JBL™^^ 

^^ ill J 



ai» 



WHITE 



White to mate in two moves. 



CHESS LYRICS 



283 



No* 163* 



Solution: 


. Qg7, Ke5; 


2. Pd4inate. 


KtxB ; 


2. KxKtmate. 


KtxBP+; 


2. Kc2mate. 


Ktb5; 


2. Kte4mate. 


KtxRP; 


2. KxKtmate. 


KtxQP+; 


2. KbSmate. 


Kte2; 


2. KtdSmate. 


Rb5; 


2. KxKtmate. 


Re2; 


2. KxKtmate. 



"A strange composition, but ingenious in its artificial de- 
sign. To carry out the ideas with acctiracy must have been a 
difi&cult task, and though it cannot be described as an elegant 
piece of work, it is one which is deserving of admiration in the 
quaintly discovered mates, and generally speaking is much more 
original than one usually finds to be the case in symmetrical 
arrangements in two movers." 

B. G. Laws in B. C. M. 



284 



CHESS LYRICS 



No. 164. 



Honorable Mention, in Hampstead and Highgate Express, Second Tourney, 
1899-1900. 

"Silver Sprays." 

Judge: Dr. C. Planck. 




ff^ m 



m 



y///////Z9, y////////A 

mm* 



m * mmi 




-mm. ^p m 



White to mate in two moves. 



CHESS LTRICS 2S5 



1. Kg2, 



No. 164. 



Solution: 


Ke3; 2. 


Kt f3 mate. 


Ktd5; 2. 


Kt e6 mate, 


Kte4; 2. 


Kt ib mate. 


KKtelse; 2. 


Rd7 mate. 


RPany; 2. 


Bb6 mate. 


Pb6; 2. 


Kt c6 mate, 


QKtany; 2. 


Qd3 mate. 


Pg3; 2. 


Kt fa mate. 



286 



CHESS LYRICS 



No- 165. 



Honorable Mention in Hampstead and Highgate Express, Second Tourney, 

1899-1900. 

Judge: C. Planck. 



111 i ■ i ■ 



m 



111 



i. 






V/hite to mate in two moves. 



CHESS LYRICS 287 



1. Qh5, 



No. 165. 



Solution: 


Bf6; 


2. QxPmate. 


Bf4; 


2. QxB mate. 


KB else; 


2. QxRmate. 


BxQ; 


2. Be4mate. 


BxP; 


2. Qdl mate. 


KRany; 


2. Re5mate. 


QRany; 


2. KtxPmate. 


PxKt; 


2. Rd7mate. 


Pd6; 


2. Ktb6mate 



288 



CHESS LYRICS 



No. 166. 



From the unfinished tourney of Montreal Witness, 1899-1900. 
"Surprised." 



^ '^^^/A. 



^mA 



V///////... ^^^ 

'mm, m. 




r^i 



I ^ * ™ . 




i^l 'WM W'^^ wi^y 

HI ■ pl m^ 

Vyy7777f/Zr "0^^^, <^'/////////. ^/////M. 



Va — ^ . W-'/M^'a, 






WHITE 



White to mate in two moves. 



CHESS LTRICS 289 



No. 166. 

Solution: 

1. Re7, Bh6+; 2. Bg7 mate. 

BxKt; 2. Kt c3mate. 

Bg5; 2. BfGmate. 

BxB; 2. QxBmate. 

Pg2; 2. Ktf2mate. 

Ra4; 2. RxR mate. 

Rd4; 2. BxB mate. 

Relse; 2. Qc4 mate. 

KKtany; 2. Qc6 mate. 

QKtany; 2. Qc2 mate. 

"Not above the average two-mover for difficulty, but it has 
excellent points, notably the pretty mate after 1 . . . BxKt, 
and the clear stops of 1. Rd3 and 1. BxB as second keys by the 
well-posted Knight at a7. It is also a good instance of how 
talent manages to bring an otherwise idle W. K. to contribute in 
rendering the details almost as interesting as the main stem of 
a composition." 

C. E. St. Maurice, Jr. 



290 



CHESS LTRICS 



No* 167. 



From the unfinished tourney of Montreal Witness, 1899-1900. 
"Alpine Echoes." 

BLACK 



■ 



VyT^^^/yA W////////y V//////////. V/////////. 

W^M i^ ^^)B 'W^^y 'WM> JL 



#J^^ "^^.^.^J, M^j^, v/////////,. 





V ''77?//7?77/. 



i..^.S% ■mmA 




^ ^»"e ^- 




WHITE 



White to mate in three moves. 



CHESS LYRICS 291 



No. 167. 



Solution: 


2. 


Qf6+,KxQ; 


3. 


Bc3 mate. 


; 2. 


Kt c6+, KxB 


3. 


Pc4 mate. 


; 2. 


Kt c6+, KxB 


3. 


Qf7 mate. 


2. 


Rc4+, K any 


3. 


RxP mate. 


t;' ■ 2. 


Bc3+, Kd6; 


3. 


Qf4 mate. 



1. Bb4, Pg5; 
Kte6 
Ktd7 
Kd4; 
threat ; 



"Many fine points. General appearance pleasing; propor- 
tions good; three plausible tries; execution perfectly clean; four 
second moves and five distinct mates. Removing a piece from 
en prise to safe quarters as a key-move is not artistic, but this 
case calls for toleration because it affords His Colored Majesty 
an outing which is augmented by pretty strategic results." 

C. E. St. Maurice, Jr. 

"This bears one of the chief distinguishing characteristics of 
a fine problem, viz., that there are at least three tries in each of 
which there is a complete solution except in one variation. The 
theme is original, the key-move difficult and good, the after-play 
varied, and some of the mating positions novel and subtle. 
There is only one short mate, and no duals." 

Chas. Corbould. 



292 



CHESS LYRICS 



No- I68- 



Version of problem in Montreal Witness Tourney, 1899-1900. 
"To the Front." 

BLACK 





« 



H 



w/////m 







m 



m, mm: mm. ^» 

,<Zv/////m, w///////'. 7//////Mi 












WHITE 



White to mate in three moves. 



CHESS LYRICS 293 



No. 168. 

Solution: 

1. Pg5. Kf4; 2. Qg4+,KxQ; 

3. BxPmate. 

2. Qg4+, Ke5; 

3. Rd5 mate. 
KxR; 2. QxRP+, Ke5; 

3. Bd6mate. 
Kt e3; 2. PxKt, any; 

3. BdGmate. 
Kt>2; 2. Rd5+, Kany; 

3. Qf3mate. 
threat; 2. Bd6+, KxR; 

3. QxRP mate. 



294 



CHESS LYRICS 



No. 169. 

Second Prize, ex aequo, Tenth Tourney, Manchester Weekly Times, 1900. 

"Where the Bee Sucks." 

Judges: F. R. Gittins, E. Holt. 



m m.Jm m 



y,„„„,,„ ^ W/////////. '^//////A, V///////A 



IMf 



i 








"'Mm -m. 

Oyy/y/y/Y/y yyyWyyyyyy'. 'yy/yyyy/V^ 




W^^- ^ 

8 5^^^ 





'y^////////k 






White to mate in two moves. 



CHESS LYRICS 295 



No. 169. 

Solution: 

1. Ktd8, KxR+; 2. Pd4 mate. 

RxQ; 2. KtxRmate. 

Relse; 2. QxB mate. 

Pb6; 2. Ktc6mate. 

B any ; 2. Kt e6 mate. 

Pc2; 2. Qb2mate. 

QKtany; 2. Re4 mate. 

KKtany; 2. Kt f5 mate. 

"Although this problem has points which have been illus- 
trated before, there is in it individual artistic work. To the 
wary solver it is easy enough, as the effect of the discovered 
check is too good to be missed. The best try is certainly 1. Kt g5. 
There are eight variations, which is a very respectable comple- 
ment when the Black King has one square of freedom. There 
is one thing to be noticed and that is the position is free from 
padding, and there is a fair observance of the principle of unity." 

B. G. Laws in B. C. M. 



296 



CHESS irRICS 



No^ 170. 



Fourth Best in Tenth Tovimey, Manchester Weekly Times, 1900. 
"A Bii for Fortune." 
Judges: F. R. Gittins. E. Holt. 



BLACK 








m 






m 






I* 




■i-lif ■ ■* 
1 



'mm.. mm,. 



1^11 





^..r.^r::^.^^^^ ^.SJ. 



IS i 




^ ^m.^wM 



White to mate in three moves. 



CHESS LYRICS 297 



No. 170. 

Solution: 

1. Rf5, BxQ; 2. BxP, any; 

3. Bc7 mate. 

BxR; 2. RxP, any; 

3. Qgl mate. 

Ktf6; 2. Rc6+, KxB; 

3. Ktd4mate. 

KxR; 2. RxP+, Kd6; 

3. QxPmate. 

' ' Words cannot do justice to this conception ! The theme 
is profound and difficult accordingly to see through. But it is 
the masterful key to the entire situation which evokes enthus- 
iasm. After 1. Rfo, when the Bishop is decoyed into capturing 
the Queen, and only then, comes a masterstroke. Again, when 
1 . . . BxR, still another distinct idea reveals itself, showing 
the original clever placing of the Rook. But after 1 . . . Kt f6, 
2. Rc6+ is found, one becomes speechless. Every move on the 
board is a try. Worthy a first prize in any tourney." 

H. W. Barry. 



298 



CHESS LYRICS 



No. I7L 



Third Prize, Leisure Hour, First Tourney, 1900. 
"The Pearl." 
Judge: E. B. Schwann. 



im. 




11 






% 



m 

. ^^^/'^^/////////. ./ 



m 



y^//////^,. 



fm 



White to mate in two moves. 



CHESS LTRICS 299 



No. 


171. 


Solution: 


. Rd4, KxR; 


2. Bb2mate. 


KtxR; 


2. Pf4mate. 


Ktf7; 


2. Rd5mate. 


Ktf5; 


2. Ktc6mate. 


Qe6; 


2. KtxKtmate, 


threat ; 


2. QdGmate. 



300 



CHESS LTRICS 



No. 172, 



Honorable Mention in Leisure Hour, First Tourney, 1900. 

"Asphodel." 

Judge: E. B. Schwann. 



BLACK 



m,^.._WMm 




I 4m 



'////////yM y///////. 




i ■ W% P 



4M 




w 

w. mm, 



Wa ''mm, 

■fit- 




WHITE 



White to mate in three moves. 



CHESS LYRICS 301 



No. 172. 

Solution: 

1. Qh7, Kd6; 2. Ba2, Keo; 

3. QcTmate. 

2. Ba2, else; 

3. Qe7 mate. 
Kb4; 2. Qf5, Pa2; 

3. Ktc2mate. 
PxP; 2. Qd3, Kd6; 

3. KteGmate. 

2. Qd3, Kb4; 

3. Qc3mate. 

2. Qd3, else; 

3. QxRPmate. 
threat; 2. Qc2+, Kd6; 

3. Kt b5 mate. 

2. Qc2+,Kb4; 

3. Qc3mate. 



302 



CHESS LYRICS 



No. 173. 



First Prize, British Chess Magazine, 1900. 
"By Indirections Find Directions Out." 
Judge: C. E. Ranken. 



i. 



mo(i 



%M% 






is. 






^ ''^////y/A 



II 



^, #^^ 




m 
m 
m 'mm. 



.Am 




WHITE 



White to play and win. 



CHESS LYRICS 



303 



No. 173. 

Solution: 



1. Pe4, Qd2+ (if PxP dis. +, then 2. Kt c5 dis. +, and wins the 
Q) ; 2. Ka6, Qe2+ or (A) (if PxP, again Kt c5 dis. + wins the 
Queen) ; 3. KxP, PxP (best) ; 4. Bg7, Qa2 or dl (if Qf 1 ; then still 
Bf8); 5. Bf8, QxP+; 6. Kt a5+, Kb5; 7. Bc6+, KxKt; 8. BxQ, 
and wins. 

(A). 2. . . Qd3+; 3. KxP, PXP (best); 4. KtxP (White 
cannot win here by 4. Bg7, as in the mainplay, because of Black's 
replies Qa3 or Qbl; but now, whatever Black does, he must lose 
his Queen or be mated). 

"This problem is of a different calibre to those hitherto 
noticed. It is very difficult, very cleverly conceived, and, as far 
as we can see, contains no flaw in the solution, for the dual one 
proposed by 1. PxP has at least not been demonstrated. Its only 
drawback is the unnatural position, but that, we think, is in this 
instance more than compensated by its other merits." 

Judge's Report. 

No. 1 73a. 

Competitor, British Chess Magazine, 1900. 
"The Artful Dodger." . 

BLACK 




WHITE 

White to play and win. 



"The only difficulty in the "Artful Dodger" is the making 
of a Queen at White's third move, because if a Queen is made, 
Black draws by 3 . . . Kd2." 

Judge's Report. 



304 



CHESS LYRICS 



No^ 174. 



1514, British Chess Magazine, June, 1900. 



■ ■ 






^iw 






■m//M r. m 




m » 



WHITE 




White to mate in three moves. 



CHESS LYRICS 305 

No. I73a. 

Solution: 

1. Bc3, KxB ; 

2. Ph7, Pal(Q); 

3. Ph8(B), Kany; 

4. BxQ and wins. 



No- 174. 

Solution: 

1. Qhl, KxR; 2. Qc6+,KxQ; 

3. Pc8 (0) mate. 

2. Qc6+rKb4; 

3. Kt a2 mate. 

2. Qc6+, K(i4; 

3. Kt e2 mate. 
KxKt; 2. Qcl,Kb4; 

3. Qa3 mate. 

2. Qcl,Kd4; 

3. Qe3 mate. 
Pa5; 2. Kta4, Pg3; 

3. Qh4mate. 

2. Kta4, Pe5; 

3. Qd5mate. 
Pe5; 2. Qd5+, KxKt; 

3. Qd2mate. 



"This has deUghted some of our solvers, one pronouncing it 
the gem of the number. It is an entertaining position, and has an 
element of surprise in it. The block after 1 . . . Pa5 is 
curious. It is to be regretted the White Queen is posted so far 
away in apparent activity, but it can easily be understood with a 
Pawn on the eve of promotion and a fully endowed Queen in the 
field, counting the other force, with Black without impressive 
assistance, cooks were troublesome to contend with." 

B. G. Laws in B. C. M. 



306 



CHESS LTRICS 



No. 175. 



Second Honorable Mention, Seventh Tourney, Otago Witness, 1900. 





mm 



111 a im'^ 



V//77777//a W/z/z/yZ: 

y//////////y. ^ 



J. B ^ ISl 




i ^^ 





IS 





White to mate in two moves. 



CHESS LYRICS 



307 



No. 175. 



Solution: 


. Khl,Bf6; 


2. Qg2mate. 


Be5; 


2. BeGmate. 


Bd4; 


2. Pe4mate. 


KB else; 


2. KtcSmate. 


Ba8; 


2. QxB mate. 


QBelse; 


2. Bc6mate. 


Pc4; 


2. Pb6mate. 


Ktg6; 


2. QxRmate. 



A highly ingenious Bristol. The defences to 1. Kh3 and 
1. Kgl, and the mates when Black's King's Bishop moves, more 
than compensate for the less artistic construction on the Queen's 
side of the diagram. 



308 



CHESS LYRICS 



No. 176. 



Competitor in Otago Witness, Seventh Tourney, 1900. 
BLACK 




WHITE 

White to mate in two moves. 



No. 177. 

Competitor in Otago Witness, Seventh Tourney, 1900. 
BLACK 




WHITE 

White to mate in two moves. 



CHESS LTRICS 



309 







No. 


176. 




Solution: 


1. Bal 


KxR; 


2. Qhlmate. 




PxR; 


2. Pc4mate. 




Pf4; 


2. QeGmate. 




Ktd7; 


2. PxKtmate 




BxP; 


2. Ktf6mate. 




RxQ; 


2. Re5 mate. 




No. 


177. 




Solution: 


1. Qe2, 


BxQ 




2. Ba4 mate. 




BxB 




2. Qg4 mate. 




PxQ 




2. BfSmate. 




PxB 




2. QbSmate. 




PxR 




2. QxPmate. 




Pd5; 


2. RxPmate. 




Ktai 


^y; 


2. RcTmate. 



310 



CHESS LYRICS 



No. 178. 



Honorable Mention, Sixth Tourney, Sydney Morning Herald, 1900-01. 

"Unto This Last." 

Judge: J. J. Glynn. 






n. m m M 



BM.B 



'mM.A,mM. 



»«a^ 



M, 4/SKm 




'<!^//////A 



i « 




W rfil * 



i ■ 





1 '= 4^i 



i. 



WHITE 



White to mate in two moves. 



CHESS LYRICS 311 



1. Bfl 



No. 


178. 


Solution: 


PxB + ; 


2. KtbSmate. 


Ke5+; 


2. KteGmate. 


KtxB; 


2. Qc5 mate. 


BxKt; 


2. QgSmate. 


PxKt; 


2. QcTmate. 



312 



CHESS LTRICS 



No. 179. 

First Prize, Brighton Society, Eleventh Tourney, 1900-01. 

"Where Roses Rain in Perfumed Showers." 

Judges: G. Hume, B. G. Laws. 



BLACK 



■wm,^m 



'/////////A 



m 'mm.. 












^ 



li 



mm '^ 

ill 



^-^— "r. 



i. 



ill ill 



^ fiM ....W^M 





WHITE 



White to mate in three moves. 



CHESS LYRICS 



313 



No. 179. 



1. Kta6, Kc4; 
Ke6; 
Bb3; 



Bbl; 
Pg4; 
Pdl; 
Pfl; 



Solution: 

2. Qfl+, Kb3; 
2. Qfl+, Kd5; 
2. Qh5, Kd5; 
2. Qh5, else; 
2. Pg4, Kc4; 
2. Pg4, Ke6; 
2. Pg4, else; 
2. QxB,any; 
2. Qh5+, Kc4; 
2. QxP+, Ke6; 
2. QxP, Ke6; 
2. QxP, else; 



3. KKt c5 mate. 
3. Kt c7 mate. 
3. Qf7mate. 
3. Kt c7 mate. 
3. KtdGmate. 
3. BgSmate. 
3. BgSmate. 
3. B or Q mate. 
3. KtxPmate. 
3. QdTmate. 
3. BgSmate. 
3. Kt c7 mate. 



"Theoretically this problem has not a good key-move, but 
practically it is not so easy as one might expect from the nature 
of the key. The Knight is out of play, but so is the Queen, and 
one vacillates between the two. Then several of the second 
moves are by no means obvious, so that it is not impossible to try 
the right move and pass on to something else. Throughout 
White works with a gentle hand, and the beautiful and economi- 
cal mates are numerous. It came as a surprise to find it was a 
'block.'" 

G. Hume. 

"A beautiful conception carried out with artistic ability. 
The key move is fairly easy since it is seen that the Kt at b8 
can be of no use there ; of course there is temptation offered to 
place it on one of the other available squares, but its sphere of 
influence is easily demonstrated at a6. There are practically 
five variations, though in the case of 1 . . . Ke6 or 1 . . . Pg4, 
and 1 . . . Kc4 or 1 . . . Pfl there are sub-variations which 
have a rich effect ; every line of play leads to something pretty and 
the economy is first class though it seems an unfortunate feature 
that the Kt at a6 so often unnecessarily guards c5. There are 
third move duals, but these one can afford to pass by seeing the 
scope of the design bringing in as it does three quiet second 
moves. Altogether it is a masterpiece and well deserves dis- 
tinction." 

B. G. Laws. 



314 



CHESS LYRICS 



No. ISO. 



Third Prize, Brighton Society, Eleventh Totimey, 1900-01 

"The Garden of Swords." 

Judges: G. Hume, B. G. Laws. 




^ 



m mm. 



Wm 

m 




m 




m 




,-^^^^ 






'm^^. 



m 




White to mate in three moves. 



CHESS LYRICS 



315 



No. 180. 



1. Ka5, 







Solution: 






Kc4.; 


2. 


Qe4, KtxQ; 


3. 


Kt e3 mate. 


Kte4; 


2. 


QxP+, BxQ; 


3. 


Kt e3 mate. 


Ktf5; 


2. 


Qe4+, KxQ; 


3. 


Bg2 mate. 


KKtelse; 


2. 


Bg2+, KxKt; 


3. 


Qh3 mate. 




2. 


Bg2+, else; 


3. 


Qe4 mate. 


KtxP; 


2. 


QxKt+, Ke4; 


3. 


Qc6 mate. 


Ktc7; 


2. 


KtxKt+, Kc4; 


3. 


Be6 mate. 


Ktb4; 


2. 


KxKt, Pe4; 


3. 


Qd4 mate. 




2. 


KxKt, else; 


3. 


Kt c7 mate. 


threat ; 


2. 


Ktf4+, any; 


3. 


Be6 mate. 



"A subtle, deeply-laid stratagem, rich in Queen sacrifices 
and beautiful mates. There are blemishes — a dual, two short 
mates, and an inartistic exterior — but somehow these seem to 
shrink smaller and smaller each time the beautiful variations 
are examined. The key-move is very difficult. Obviously a 
threat problem, one looks for a strong key, whereas the right 
move at first sight appears to lead to nothing." 

G. Hume. 

"This is a position which as first does not appear particu- 
larly attractive. The key is really easy for the reason that when 
the Black King saunters to c4 it is patent that he cannot be 
allowed to reach the Knight's file. Although this is so the key 
cannot be said to be a bad one and is doubtless the best that the 
position admits of and probably the best that can be conceived. 
The play, which involves the sacrifices of the Queen, is nice but 
of an order which is not unusual and on that account must not 
be thought too much of, but it must be borne in mind it is not 
a case of one sacrifice of the Queen, but a plurality of such 
sacrifices. There are two points which one may easily overlook 
which will tend to advance the problem in esteem, that is after 
1 . . . KtxP and 1 . . . KtxKt the resulting mates are 
pure and economical. The dual is of passing moment and the 
position cannot be said to suffer from the blemish since 1 . . . 
Kt b8 is virtually no defence to the threat. It is a pity the board 
is so dotted with Pawns, but this is not a serious matter as it 
only takes a little away from elegance in the setting." 

B. G. Laws. 



316 



CHESS LYRICS 



No. 181. 



Honorable Mention, Brighton Society, Eleventh Tourney, 1900-01. 

"The Breaking of the Seal." 

Judges: G. Hume, B. G. Laws. 




^. ^^^^r-^ m. 








mm ^ 




White to mate in two moves. 



CHESS LYRICS 317 



1. Pe3, 



No. 


181. 


Solution: 


BxQ; 


2. Pe4mate. 


BxKt; 


2. QxRPmate. 


Be4; 


2. Ktb4mate. 


PxKt; 


2. RdSmate. 


Pd6; 


2. Kt e7 mate. 


Rg3; 


2. KtxPmate. 


Bg3; 


2. QxB mate. 


KKtany; 


2. QxKtmate. 


QKt any; 


2. Rd4mate. 



"A splendidly- varied block position, the variety of mates 
being well maintained all round the Black King's domicile. 
The key-move, though good in its way, is not quite of the highest 
class inasmuch as it is of what may be described as the 'after- 
thought' type, as distinguished from those inherent to a prob- 
lem's idea, and the Queen is annoyingly inoperative in all those 
mates she does not actually give. Nevertheless, the mates are 
well brought about, and for variety and interest the problem 
stands well." 

G. Hume. 

"The great drawback in this position is the confined posi- 
tion of the White Queen. Previous to the key move being 
made it appears to be present to mate only at b3 (takes Knight) 
and to stop the advance of the Queen's Pawn. This circum- 
stance immediately it is noticed encourages the movement of 
the K. P. and renders the key-move anything but obscure. 
The variations are generally good and altogether the problem 
is pleasant. It is curious that the Pawn at a3 is necessary." 

B. G. Laws. 



318 



CHESS LYRICS 



No. 182. 

Competitor in Eleventh Tourney of Brighton Society, 1900-01. 
"Kings' By-ways." 
Judges: G. Hume, B. G. Laws. 
BLACK 




WHITE 

White to mate in two moves. 



No. 183. 

From the unfinished Tourney of Montreal Witness, 1899-1900. 

"Short and Sweet." 

BLACK 




WHITE 

White to mate in two moves. 



CHESS LYRICS 319 

No. 182. 

Solution : 

1. Kg8, Re4; 2. Qh8 mate. 

Re3; 2. RxRmate. 

Rel; 2. QxRmate. 

Rf5; 2. RxPmate. 

KRelse; 2. QxP mate. 

KKtany; 2. Qf4 mate. 

QKtany; 2. Qd4 mate. 

Pe6; 2. KtxP mate. 

**A delicately-framed block problem. The central idea 
is not new, but it is well set, and formed into a decidedly pleasing 
problem." 

G. Hume. 

"A neatly arranged position, but it is a little modest in its 
pretensions. The key is clever, there are only one or two mates 
of interest, the chief one being after 1 . . . Re4, which defence, 
combined with 1 . . . Rf5, defines the opening." 

B. G. Laws. 



No. 183. 

Solution: 

1. Pf5, Bd4; 2. Pc4 mate. 

B else; 2. Qe4 mate. 

Ktd7; 2. QaSmate. 

Ktc6; 2. Qe6mate. 

Rc5; 2. Ktb6mate. 

RxKt; 2. QbSmate. 

KKtany; 2. Bf7 mate. 

Pg3; 2. BfSmate. 

"There is a try 1. Bg6 that caught many solvers. It is 
really a neat, clean rendering of old ideas, but not otherwise an 
mpressive problem. This, I recall, was the general opinion 
among the Witness solvers." 

H. W. Barry, February 17, 1904. 



320 



CHESS LYRICS 



No. J84. 



First Prize, Colonial Section, Leisure Hour, Second Tourney, 1901. 

"The Wanderer." 

Judges: S. J. Stevens, F. W. Andrew. 



BLACK 



mi te 



m mi 




m ' 



yy//////^. 



w^- w/////^. 



r///y^yy/Xrf 



a 4 ■ fi ■ 




m 



m * »^^ 



•#ia< im. 



Wa ^ 'Z>/////M ^/ 



ii 




v. '////////. 



m. ii 






White to mate in three moves. 



CHESS LYRICS 321 



No. 184. 



Solution: 


1. Qg4, KxP; 


2. BxBP+, Kc6; 




3. PxR (Kt) mate 




2. BxBP+, Ke4; 




3. QgGmate. 


Kd3; 


2. Qf3+, Kc4; 




3. Qe4mate. 


RxP; 


2. Qg6+, PxQ; 




3. BxPmate. 


PxKt; 


2. Qg2+,Kd3; 




3. BxKtPmate. 




2. Qg2+,Kf5; 




3. Kte3mate. 


threat ; 


2. Qf3+, Kf5; 




3. Qd3mate. 



322 



CHESS LYRICS 



No. t85- 



Second Prize, Ninth Tourney, Nuova Ri\'ista degli Scacchi, 1901. 

"Festina Lente." 

Judges: The Competitors. 



Ill 



m% 



1 



'Z^y '^/////AY/. 








!■ 



m. ^ ^TA 









^.^ .^^ «*^. 



4M^m..%...m. 



^^ ^# i^i 

BI III 



^ ■ IkM i^l ^ ^^ 




WHITE 



White to mate in three moves. 



CHESS LTRICS 323 



No. 185. 



1. Qb3, RxQ; 

Rc4; 
RxB; 

Kte3 



Solution: 


; 2. 


Rf7, KxR; 


3. 


Rf4 mate. 


2. 


Rf7, else; 


3. 


Re7 mate. 


2. 


QxP+, KxQ; 


3. 


Bh7 mate. 


2. 


RxKt P, RxR 


3. 


Rf4 mate. 


2. 


RxKtP, Rf8; 


3. 


Qd5 mate. 


^\ 2. 


Bh7+, Ktf5; 


3. 


BxKt m.ate. 



324 



CHESS LYRICS 



No. 186. 



First Prize, Wiener Schachzeitung, 1901. 
"Multum in Parvo." 
Judges: H. Fahndrich, A. Kauders, C. Schlechter. 



^mS. 






w 




pl 

'v//////yZ'. 



m 

Hi 



*:..j^% 



^^ m. 3!^m,,,T....wm. 







^^ <^^/A 



# ^ W/S//. 



v^/z/zz/m'. 



vzzzzzzzz//. 'Z/zzzzzzyyi!,, 

m. 




'^W ■ «■ ^ 



White to mate in three moves. 



CHESS LTRICS 325 

No. 186. 



Solution: 


. Pc6, Bb8; 


2. Bc7, KxR; 




3. BxQKtPmate. 


Pb5; 


2. Bb8, KxR; 




3. BxB mate. 


PxKtP; 


2. BxRP, KxR; 




3. Bf2 mate. 


PxBP; 


2. BxP, PxP; 




3. Bg2 or hi mate, 


Pg5; 


2. Bf5, Kf3; 




3. Rd3 mate. 


Ktf7; 


2. BxP, KtxB; 




3. Rd3mate. 



"There are few three-movers with so startHng a solution. 
From that side which seems the most safely guarded comes the 
invasion. The threat machinery works with logical precision. 
This gem ranks among the finest and most spirited which the 
literature of three-movers has published." 

Judges' Criticism. 

"Had the remark been made that it is the finest three-er of 
modem times without a White Queen, we should have been dis- 
posed to concur. Beyond doubt a fine problem. The variety is 
considerable, but it is of a recurrent order, and therefore not so 
interesting as the variety which consists of blends of strategic 
manoeuvres. It is to be noticed the key move was probably an 
afterthought, and the pawn at c6 was clapped on solely for the 
purpose of making the key, because it does not show any useful- 
ness afterwards. The mate after 1 . . . Kt f7; 2. BxP, KtxB 
was a happy inspiration." 

B. G. Laws in B. C. M. 

As Mr. Mackenzie has pointed out, however, the QBP, 
apart from making the opening move, prevents a cook in two 
moves by 1. Re 8. 



326 



CHESS LYRICS 



No- 187. 



Third Honorable Mention, Second Tourney, Tidskrift for Schack, 1901. 

"Fedora." 

Judges: J. Jespersen, R. Sahlberg, F. W. Blehr. 



BLACK 



m 







t^ "■ 



Wa V/A^M ^^^ 



m 




V^777?7/. '7//////////. 








'^^^A V/////////A '—^ '''/7/7:^/7//.^^ 



isii 



^- ^^/^^.,../,^^^ 



^j 



1 



WHITE 



White to mate in three moves. 



CHESS irpjCS 



327 



"The problem is excellently elaborated with uncommonly 
many pure and economical mates. The main play is quite good, 
with a quiet second move which however is easily seen." 

Judges' Report. 

In connection with this beautiful three-er, bristling with pure 
mates, it is interesting to reproduce the problem which 
contains the record number of model mates, together with the 
following remarks by Mr. G. Heathcote from Norwich Mercury, 
June 29, 1904: 

No. I87a. 

Dr. E. Mazel. 
BLACK 




WHITE 

White to mate in three moves. 



1. QbS. 



"The point raised regarding the number of 'model' mates 
in Dr. Mazel's three-mover is an interesting one, and I very much 
regret that I have not at hand a recent letter of Mr. A. F. Macken- 
zie in which he dealt most ably and exhaustively with the 
difficult question how far apparently similar mates occuring in 
the same problem are to be distinguished. I feel, however, that 
it would be unfair to quote Mr. Mackenzie's opinion without 
giving his 'ipsissima verba,' and this I am at present unable to 
do. It must, therefore, be understood that the following remarks 
are made on my responsibility alone, though I believe that, 
in the main, they embody the views expressed in Mr. Mackenzie's 
letter. Mates occurring in the same problem are to be dis- 
tinguished : — 

1. If the Black King occupies a different square. 

2. If the mating piece stands on a different square. 

3. If the mate is administered by a different piece. 



328 



CHESS LYRICS 



No. 188. 



Honorable Mention, Eighth Tourney, Otago Witness, 1901. 
"Lesath." 



BLACK 



fm 






# y//////M 






fSii 




11 bI III 



1^^^^^ m^m: 'wkm: m 




y//////////y AA, ^ 



White to mate in three moves. 



CHESS LYRICS 



329 



4. If there is a change in the position of any Black piece 
in the King's field. 

5. If there is any change in the guard. 

Judged by this standard, it is clear that Dr. Mazel's claim 
that his problem contains eleven model mates is justified; indeed 
the only point in doubt is whether he might not have claimed 
thirteen, seeing that in the following variations: 1 . . . KxKKt, 
2. QKt g3+, Kf4 or e5, 3. QxP mate; or 1 . . . KxQKt, 2. 
KKt g3+, Kf4 or e5, 3. QxP mate, it might be contended that a 
change in the guard has taken place, which entitles the ensuing 
mates to rank separately. I am certainly not acquainted with 
any other three-mover which contains so many model mates as 
this one. At the same time, since all the mates (except that 
with the pawn after 1 . . . BxKt) are brought about by a 
combination of the moves QxP and Kt g3, the problem does not 
in fact, possess so much genuine variety as many others I could 
name by the same distinguished author." 



No. 187. 







Solution: 






. Be8, QxQ; 


2. 


Bg6, KxKt; 


3. 


Bd4 mate. 




2. 


Bg6, BxKt; 


3. 


Pf4 mate. 




2. 


Bg6, else; 


3. 


QKt mate. 


KxKt; 


2. 


Bd4+, KxP; 


3. 


QcS mate. 


BxKt; 


2. 


Pf4+, KxP; 


3. 


Qc8 mate. 


KxP; 


2. 


Qc8+, KxKt; 


3. 


Bd4 mate. 




2. 


Qc8+, Ke5; 


3. 


Kt g4 mate 


QxB; 


2, 


Ktg4+, KxQP; 


3. 


QxB mate. 




2. 


Ktg4+, Kd4; 


3. 


PxP mate. 


threat ; 


2. 


Ktg44-,KxP; 


3. 


Qc8 mate. 



Khl,Ktf7 
Kc4; 
Pe5; 
Pg2-h; 



No. 188. 

Solution: 

2. QxP+, KxQ 
2. Qfl+, Kd5; 
2. Qd7+, Kc4; 
2. QxP+, Kc4; 



3. Kt c7 mate. 
3. Qb5mate. 
3. Qd3 mate. 
3. Ktd6 mate. 



Another Bristol problem, but the key is more apparent than 
in Mr. Mackenzie's Honorable Mention of the year previous 
(No. 175). The two mates by the White Knights supplement 
one another very artistically, as do also the two longish sweeps 
of the Queen. 



330 



CHESS LYRICS 



No. 189. 



Honorable Mention, Eighth Tourney, Otago Witness, 1901. 
" Duplicity. '-* 



BLACK 









i»1 if 




M 



yy//////w. 



iM is 

"yy///////^, y///////Z'>. 




m fSI 



wm. '*■ 



m 




White to mate in three moves. 



CHESS LYRICS 331 



No. 189, 



IS 


olution: 


. Qa8, KtxQ; 


2. Re2, Kc4; 




3. Re4mate. 




2. Re2, Kd3; 




3. Rd2mate. 


RxQ; 


2. Kt g5, any; 




3. Kt e6 mate. 


Rb7; 


2. QxP, any; 




3. Rd3mate. 


else ; 


2. Re4+, PxR; 




3. OxPmate. 



332 



CHESS LYRICS 



No. 190. 



Honorable Mention in Colonial Section of Second Tourney of Leisure 
Hour, 1901. 

"The Unknown," 

Judges: S. J. Stevens, F. W. Andrew. 



BLACK 




m 




• ^P 1^ 

<17^77>}. Wmm ^/^^y^y 



^ 



m 



'mm m. 
1 





■ 1 




m .mm. 

m 






m 




^^^ v/////////y 




^^^fm 




^ -=^^ %-///^//^ 



WHITE 



White to mate in two moves. 



CHESS LYRICS 



333 



No. 190. 





Solution: 


1. Qb7, KxR; 


2. KteVmate. 


Pg4; 


2. Rf4mate. 


Bb8; 


2. KtxPmate. 


Re4+ 


; 2. Kte5mate. 



A somewhat startling case of unconscious imitation is J. 
T'ridlizius' 3rd Honorable Mention 2-er, in Scandinavian Chess 
Association, 1902-3, herewith reproduced. 



No. I90a. 

J. Fridlizius. 
BLACK 




WHITE 

White to mate in two moves. 
1. Qa8. 



334 



CHESS LYRICS 



No* 191. 



Honorable Mention in Colonial Section of Second Tourney of Leisure 
Hour, 1901. 

"The Coquette." 

Judges: S. J. Stevens, F. W. Andrew. 



BLACK 




MH, k m 






WW V/////yy//y y//A9wy> 

^M fii 



m% ^ m 



■1 



wmM.M^ 



i 






WHITE 



White to mate in two moves. 



CHESS LTRICS 335 



No. 191. 



Solution: 


Rdo, BxR; 


2. Bd3 mate. 


Rf7; 


2. ReGmate. 


RxP; 


2. Rd4mate. 


QRelse; 


2. KtfGmate. 


KB any; 


2. Qhl mate. 


Rf4; 


2. Re5 mate. 


KRelse; 


2. Rg4mate. 


Pb5; 


2. Kt c5 mate. 


Pe2; 


2. Od3 mate. 


Ph5; 


2. KtgSmate 



"A very good problem of its kind, though not in Macken- 
zie's best style. The key is the weakest point in the position. 
The K. B. behind the R. at b5 makes it at once evident that it is 
this R. which has to start the fight; and the square it has to go 
to is easily seen, also. Variety is considerable and pretty, the 
best mate being after 1, , . . BxR. The play of the Black R. 
and B. at f8 and g8 is, though not new, always welcome. It is 
impossible in such a problem to get economy, but construction 
is good. There are few tries. The Pawn at h3 prevents a 
cook by 1. Qc2+. The Pawn at c6, which is only on the board 
to stop 1, Bb7+, is not pleasing, but it is the only way out of the 
difficulty." 

F. W. Wynne, (Jan. 25, 1904). 



336 



CHESS LYRICS 



No. 192. 



First Prize, Tenth Tourney, British Chess Magazine, 1901. 

"The Wild Flower." 

Judges: C. Planck, G. Hume. 



^mi 



1 fMi 



m 






m 





m,^ ■mm. 




^„ 



'///■////■//A 



11 



Sui-mate in three moves. 



CHESS LYRICS 337 

No. 192. 

Solution : 

1. Qh8, PxKKt; 2. Qd4+, KxQ; 

3. KxP+, KtxR mate. 
Qh4; 2. KKtb4+, KtxKt; 

3. Ke8+, QxRmate. 
PxQKt; 2. Pc4+, Kc5; 

3. Qf8+, KtxQ mate. 
Ba7; 2. KtxP+, Kc5; 

3. Qf8+, KtxQ mate. 
RxP; 2. BxKt+, RxB; 

3. Qe5+, RxQ mate, 
threat; 2. BxKt+, RxB; 

3. Kt e7+, RxKt mate. 

"A remarkably fine problem in almost all respects. Com- 
posers who have themselves tried to elaborate a three-move sui- 
mate in which the White King shall have two ' flights ' and thus 
be mated on three different squares, will be the best able to fully 
appreciate the results arrived at in this problem. It is always 
a difficult thing to do, even when the black forces are limited to 
such as can be well kept under control — pawns and pinned pieces , 
and when the mates bear a certain family likeness. Here it is 
accomplished with a comparatively large free force, and the 
mates, while employing the same pieces, are widely different. 
The mere fact of its accomplishment would arouse our admiration 
though not, of course, necessarily accompanied by high scaling 
on other grounds. Fortunately, however, the problem will 
bear scrutiny on most points. The key-move, while not specially 
difficult to find, is decidedly good. It vacates one square in the 
White King's field, and seeing that this is the King to be mated, 
that is artistically equivalent to giving a flight-square in a direct 
mate. Moreover, as it happens, in this case it constitutes an 
actual flight-square too. Four of the six mates are distinctly 
different, and in the fifth the guard on c7 has been ingeniously 
changed. That in the mainplay is quite pure, and follows an 
unexpected Queen-sacrifice. The others are all fairly clean. In 
none of them are all Black's pieces active, but that perhaps would 
be expecting too much in this class of problem. All White's 
pieces with the exception of the Q's B take an active part in the 
fray. There are no duals, and one possible short mate in the 
threat. The construction throughout is good and the pieces 
well poised. There are three doubled pawns, but such features 
become trifles when standing beside beauties such as nm through 
the entire structure." 

Judges' Report. 



338 



CHESS LYRICS 



No. 193. 



Second Prize, Tenth Tourney, British Chess Magazine, 1901. 

"Into the Jaws of Death." 

Judges: C. Planck, G. Hume. 



BLACK 





S^ 



km 



■ pl| fM I Wi 
Si # B H H 



■mmi ^'-'^//f ■m& 



M. 



i 



^ 4^^/A. 



m. 



m 



<§1 ,„S 



il 



Sui-mate in three moves. 



CHESS LYRICS 339 

No. 193. 

Solution: 

1. Bd3, BxR; 2. KxP+, KxP; 

3. Kd5+, BxB mate. 
BxB; 2. Kth7+, RxKt; 

3. Qh5+, KxQ mate. 
Pg3; 2. QxP+,Kf5; 

3. Qf4+, BxQ mate. 
Re8; 2. Kth7+, Kf5+; 

3. Qf4+, BxQ mate, 
threat; 2. KtxKP+, Kf5+; 

3. Qf4+, BxQ mate. 

"A very brilliant 'threat ' problem. In the finest variation 
the White King takes, for a three mover, quite a long walk to get 
into the line of fire. And a beautiful mate it is when he gets 
there, quite pure and somewhat symmetrical. By contrast with 
this the other variations fall rather flat , though really not bad in 
their way. The other mates are all given by the Bishop, either 
by discovery or at close quarters, and this gives a slight im- 
pression of sameness. The White's Q. B. is only of use in the 
mainplay, a remark which also applies to the Black's Q. R. Most 
of the moves of the Black's K. R. open up a dual by 2. Kt h7+ or 
KtxKP+, &c., but this is not very serious. The key-move is 
capitally conceived, and would be much more difficult without 
the motto* than with it. The latter is almost too appropriate 
and constitutes a misfortune." 

Judges' Report. 

*"I may say that when I gave this problem its motto I did 
not have in mind its bearing on the key move. It was suggested 
rather by the modus operandi of the mainplay." 

A. F. M. 



840 



CHESS LYRICS 



No. 194. 



Third Prize, Tenth Tourney, British Chess Magazine, 1901. 

"Double Entente." 

Judges: C. Planck, G. Hume. 



^fm 



m 



fliliil^ 



% ^■■ 



1 



/777//7//T/, 



5^^^^ 



B 



Si if 



■////////// '^'^^^^^^'y/// y^/^///^'. 



m. ■ 



Sui-mate in three moves. 



CHESS LYRICS 341 

No. 194. 



50LUTIO 


•n: 


2. 

3. 

; 2. 

3. 
2. 
3. 


Re5+, BxR; 
Kd2+, Kt c2 mate. 
Bf6-f-, BxR; 
KxKt+, Kt e4 mate, 
Bh4+, BxR; 
Qe6+, KtxQ mate. 



1. Ktd8, RxR 
Ktd6 
Rd5 



"This problem is based on a very beautiful idea, that of 
making the White King, by discovering check on two different 
sides, produce echoing mates of the Kt-discovers-R character. 
The echoing principle, while adding a peculiar beauty of its own, 
has the effect of rendering the mates all somewhat similar, the 
only other mate in the problem being also of the same class. But , 
as already stated elsewhere, to get a variety in the character of 
the mates when dealing with two flight-squares, is no easy matter. 
The problem has had to be built on the double threat plan, which 
is a pity, since at the outset it would be apparent that the double 
line of play could not be avoided as a dual continuation after 
certain defences; for instances, some of the moves of the black 
K. P. and Q. B. P., which are needed to keep the black R. from 
wandering. Though this dual does not seriously disfigure the 
problem, it robs the solution of that desirable crispness as it 
occurs after seven or eight of Black's moves. When Black plays 
suitably (1 . . . Bf6 or RxR for example), the echo mate in 
the threat is quite pure, as also is that of the mainplay. The 
one in the other branch of the threat is in no case nearer than 
one square doubly guarded. A short mate follows all the moves 
but one of the Q. B. The Black K. R. prevents a dual after 
1 . . . Rd5 by 2. BxP or Bh4 dis.+ ; otherwise its presence does 
not appear of much value since the short mate comes into force 
if 1 . . . Bh7. It is a pity so many of the pieces on the King's 
side do not take an active part in the mates. On the other hand, 
the White B . behind the King does better work here than the one 
similarly posted in 'Into the Jaws of Death,' but less than the 
corresponding White R. in 'The Wild Flower,' which works, 
either as a block or otherwise, in every mate. The initial position 
is possible, assuming that one promotion has taken place. The 
key-move is from en prise to en prise, and is not difficult to find. 
It is early apparent that the R. will be discovered; the Knight 
can cover and one naturally clears the way ; and to do this there 
is but one square to which it can artistically go. Altogether 
the problem carries its failings with a good grace, and leaves a 
big balance to its credit." 

Judges' Report. 



342 



CHESS LYRICS 



No. 195. 



First Prize, Brighton Society, 1901. 

"An Immortelle." 

Judges: B. G. Laws, C. Planck. 



BLACK 



^^ - 





m 

■ 111 i ■ i 







m 3S^.. 



m m ^ 

i^^ ^« ^^^. 



M ■, «, 



iWi 



i 



^ 



White to mate in two moves. 



CHESS LTRICS 343 



No. 195. 



Solution: 


. Rc4, Re3; 


2. BcSmate. 


RxB; 


2. Bd4mate. 


RxKt; 


2. Bc2mate. 


Relse; 


2. Kte2mate. 


Kte3; 


2. KtdSmate, 


Ktelse; 


2. Qg3mate. 


BxP; 


2. BxB mate. 


Pg3; 


2. QfSmate. 



"The conception of the unusual discovered checks by 
movements of the Bishops is distinctly original, and is worked 
out with skill. The key move is fair, and the after play most 
ingenious if not brilliant. On examining the construction it is 
evident the composer had many difficulties to contend against, 
and altogether he has succeeded in presenting a most acceptable 
two-mover." 

Jvidges' Report. 



344 



CHESS LTRICS 



No. 196. 



First Prize, ex aequo, Brighton Society, 1901. 
"The Death Whistle." 
Judges: B. G. Laws, C. Planck. 



BLACK 







1 fSl 





m 



im m 



'i^^:^. 











^ 1 III i .© 







^ 



WHITE 



Sui-mate in two moves. 



CHESS LYRICS 



345 



No* 196. 

Solution: 

1. Ktg4, Kd3; 2. Ke5+, Kt d7 mate. 

Pf2; 2. Qd5+, QxQ mate. 

BxP; 2. Qc4+, KxQ mate, 

threat; 2. Qe4+, KxQ mate. 

"An interesting sui-mate. There are but four second moves 
of White, but the variety is real and excellent. Particularly 
fine is the result after 1 . . . Kd3. The key is good, and there 
are alluring tries, particularly 1. Kt dl and 1. KtxQ. The whole 
idea has been manipulated with small White force (for sui-mate 
strategy) , and though the board is well covered with Black men 
they are all useful. True, the Kt at bl could be dispensed with, 
but the author was justified in giving it a commission, because it 
gives a mate in the threat: thus, 1 . . . Kt c3, 2. Qe4+, KtxQ 
mate." ■ ■ 

Judges' Report. • • 

The annexed diagram of an old prize winner by Mr. Shink- 
man is appended as an illustration of the development of self-mate 
strategy. The two positions have points in common; but Mr. 
Mackenzie's shows many advances in construction, the flight 
square of the Black King being one of the more prominent. 



No. I96a. 

W. A. Shinkman. 
BLACK 




WHITE 

Sui-mate in two moves. 
1. Ktel. 



346 



CHESS LYRICS 



No. 197. 



First Prize, Birmingham Daily Post, 1901. 

"Under the Flag of Victory." 

Judge: T. H. Billington. 



i 




V-^^- 







■ 4 



i», P 






WM 

m 



mm 



^^^.^^^///^/^v 



i A iii^B 



yyyyyAAyy^f''^^^^^^^ "^^ 



^^y 





White to mate in three moves. 



CHESS LTRICS 



•?Ai 



No. 197. 



1. Qe7, 



Solution: 


PxKt; 


2. 


Rb6, Kd4; 




3. 


Qb4 mate. 




2. 


Rb6, Kf4; 




3. 


QxRP mate. 


PxKtP; 


2. 


PxP, QxKt; 




3. 


QxKt P mate. 




2. 


PxP, else; 




3. 


Rf4 mate. 


Qc5; 


2. 


QxKt P+,Q any; 




3. 


QxQ mate. 


PxBP; 


2. 


RxP, PxP; 




3. 


Rf4 mate. 




2. 


RxP, else; 




3. 


R or Q mate. 


else; 


2. 


QxKP+, KxQ; 




3. 


Re 6 mate. 



*A capital problem, with a fine raain-play, the threat is 
interesting and the combination is a clever one. Two of the 
other variations are very fair, and at the same time difficult." 

B. G. Laws in B. C. M. • 



348 



CHESS LYRICS 



rmm.'^'^.mm^^ ^^^ 



No. 198. 



Second Prize, Birmingham Daily Post, 1901. 

"At the Nick of Time." 

Judge: T. H. Billington. 



BLACK 



.v777y/7777/. 



^ 



m * 'mm. 




ill k 'm. 



Bl 





■'wm mmi mm i 

m. ■ a^ m. 



WHITE 



White to mate in three moves. 



CHESS LTRICS 349 



No. 198. 





Solution: 


. Pb5, Kf6; 


2. Kte8+, Ke7; 




3. Bd6mate. 


Pf6; 


2. Qa4, any; 




3. Ktf7mate. 


Rg7; 


2. Kte4+, Kany; 




3. Qa4 mate. 


else ; 


2. Qa3, Kf6; 




3. KteSmate. 




2. Qa3, Pal (Q); 




3. QxQmate. 




2. Qa3, Kd4; 




3. Qe3mate. 



"The key here is not in such good form as the after play, 
which is charming in its variety. The quiet second moves 
are most commendable pokits. There is not much difference 
in the merits of this and the preceding problem, both are good." 

B. G. Laws in B. C. M. 



350 



CHESS LTRICS 

No* 199* 

Competitor in Birmingham Daily Post, 1901, 
Judge: T. H. Billington. 
BLACK 




WHITE 

White to mate in two moves. 



No. 200. 



Competitor in Birmingham Daily Post, 1901. 
Judge: T. H. Billington. 
BLACK 




WHITE 

White t© mate in two moves. 



1. Ba2, 



1. Bfl, 



CHESS LYRICS 351 



No. 199. 



Solution : 


Pd2; 


2. Rb3mate. 


Kte3; 


2. Rf4mate. 


KtxKt; 


2. Ktc3mate. 


Ktelse; 


2. Qel mate. 


B any; 


2. QhSmate. 


PxQR; 


2. KtcSmate. 


PxQKt; 


2. Bd5mate. 


PxKKt; 


2. Pe8(Q)mate 


PxKR; 


2. QxP mate. 


No. 


200. 


Solution: 


Pc5; 


2. Ktb5mate. 


Kt any ; 


2. KtxPmate. 


Bg2; 


2. Pf3m.ate. 


Be4; 


2. Qal mate. 


Rg2; 


2. KtfSmate. 


RxP+; 


2. BxRmate. 


PxP; 


2. Qd2mate. 


Pf3; 


2. Qe3mate. 


Pg5; 


2. KtfSmate. 



352 



CHESS LYRICS 



No. 20L 



Competitor in Aftonbladet Tourney, 1901. 
"Immer Fidel." 



%M 



i mm. 




m 






^, -w/////^. 






Wa V/y7P^M 



&. 





White to mate in three moves. 



CHESS LYRICS 353 



No. 201. 



1. Bfl, KxKt; 

Kc5; 
Pe3; 
PxP; 



SOLUTIO 


n: 


t; 2. 


Rb2+, KxP; 


3. 


Qh8 mate. 


2. 


Rb2+, K else 


3. 


Rb5 mate. 


2. 


Ra2+, any; 


3. 


Ra5 mate. 


2. 


RxP, any; 


3. 


Re5 mate. 


2. 


RxP, KxR; 


3. 


QxP mate. 


2. 


RxP, else; 


3. 


Re5 mate. 



354 



CHESS LTRICS 



No. 202. 



First Prize, Hampstead and Highgate Express, Fourth Tourney 1901. 
"The Little Wonder." 
Judge: B. G. Laws. 



BLACK 



WM 




■ 



i 



^1 



i ill 



m 'mm. Ill 




■ 

^ W//////A 



WHITE 



White to mate in two moves. 



CHESS LYRICS 355 





No. 


202. 




Solution: 


Qg4, 


QxKt; 


2. QxPmate. 




PxKt; 


2. QxRmate. 




Pd6; 


2. Kt e3 mate 




Rd4; 


2. QgSmate. 




Pf5; 


2. Re5mate. 




Kt any ; 


2. Qe4mate. 




other ; 


2. RxP mate. 



"This is eminently an artistic composition. The key-move 
is its weakest feature, more on account of the lack of tries than 
any defect. 1. Qg4 is spiritless and not strategical. Passing 
from the opening there is a good deal to admire: the position 
being of the threat class with only Q, R, and Kt in active opera- 
tion, it is remarkable that there is proportionately such great 
variety — seven distinct mates, most of them being fairly econo- 
mical, whilst one is perfectly pure. The construction bears the 
closest investigation; the position is elegantly set and nearly 
every man performs either actively or passively at least a double 
duty, for instance, the Black Queen is not only essential for 
the production of an interesting mate but prevents a cook by 
1. Kt e3+, and, again, the Black Pawn at d7 causes a distinct 
variation and stops a dual. Had it been feasible such a key as 
R (from e3)-e7 would have been better than the move appointed 
by the author, but 1. Qg8+ would have had to be attended to." 

Report of B. G. Laws. 

"An exceedingly artistic two-mover from an economical 
point of view. Though only one mate is perfectly pure the varia- 
tions have been brought about with most commendable unison." 

B. G. Laws in B. C. M. 



356 



CHESS LTRICS 



No. 203. 



Competitor in Sixth Tourney, Sydney Morning Herald, 1900-01. 

"Castle Adamant." 

Judge: J. J. Glynn, 

BLACK 



W 






^^^ ■=" r* 



wm m 






WHITE 

White to mate in two moves. 



No. 204. 



Honorable Mention, Hampstead and Highgate Express, Fourth Tourney, 1901. 

"May Blossom." 

Judge: B. G. Laws. 

BLACK 




WHITE 

White to mate in two moves. 



CHESS LTRICS 357 



1. Qg5, 



No. 203. 



Solution : 


BxB; 


2. QxPmate. 


Bf4; 


2. KtxB mate. 


Bg3; 


2. QxRmate. 


PxQ; 


2. RxB mate. 


KRxQ; 


2. Pa8 (Q) mate 


Ra8; 


2. QxRmate. 


QRxQ; 


2. Ba2mate. 


PxP; 


2. BxB mate. 



No. 204 



Solution: 


. Qel, KxR; 


2. QeTmate. 


KtxR; 


2. QeSmate. 


RxP; 


2. Kte4mate, 


Ktelse; 


2. QeSmate. 


Ph6; 


2. Rfomate. 



358 



CHESS LYRICS 



No- 205. 



Sixth Best in Second Tourney, Kingston Society, 1901-02. 

"The Sorcerer." 

Judge: E. J. Winter- Wood. 



BLACK 







i 

mi ill 



IliBi 



^'■4 ^/////M 

^ 




^/ 



" P ■ B 

4y/////A y/zWv, y///////>y^. 




i rtl 

m y////////Z',, 




^ 



White to mate in two moves. 



CHESS LYRICS 



359 



No. 205. 



1. Rg5, 





Solution: 


Pf5; 




2. RgGmate. 


PxR 




2. QfSmate. 


QKt 


any; 


2. KtxKt P mate. 


KKt 


any; 


2. Qf4mate. 


KB any; 


2. Bc7 mate. 


Bf3; 




2. KtfSmate. 


Bd3; 




2. RdSmate. 


Pb4; 




2. QaGmate. 


Pc4; 




2. Bb4mate. 


Pd4; 




2. KtxB mate. 


Pg6; 




2. QxBPmate. 



"This is a capital specimen of the block system, by which 
each of Black's pieces produces a mate, the only Black piece pro- 
ducing more than one variation being the Bishop at e4, which 
gives two." 

Judge's Report. 



360 



CHESS LYRICS 



No. 206. 



Competitor in Second Tourney, Kingston Societ3% 1901-02. 

"For Auld Lang Syne." 

Judge: E. J. Winter- Wood. 

BLACK 




WHITE 

White to mate in two moves. 



No. 207. 



Competitor in Second Tourney, Kingston Society, 1901-2. 

"Straight from the Heart." 

Judge: E. J. Winter- Wood. 

BLACK 




WHITE 

AVhite to m.ate in two moves. 



CHESS LYRICS 



361 



No. 206. 



1. Rf4, 



Solution: 


BxR; 


2. 


Qhl mate. 


KKtxKt; 


2. 


Q_g8 mate. 


Kte5; 


2. 


Kt e7 mate. 


KKtelse; 


2. 


KtxKt mate 


QKtxKt; 


2. 


Qa8 mate. 


Ktc5; 


2. 


Rd4 mate. 


QKtelse; 


2. 


KtxKt mate. 



No. 207. 



Solution: 


1. Qh2, Pe5; 


2. Qglmate. 


Pd5; 


2. KtxKPmate, 


Kc5; 


2. Pd4mate. 


BxP; 


2. Qf4mate. 


Ktc4; 


2. KtbSmate. 


threat ; 


2. QdGmate. 


Note the trv 


l,Q.s:o. 



362 



CHESS LYRICS 



No. 208. 



Honorable Mention, Seventh Tourney, Sydney Morning Herald, 1902. 
"Chains of Circumstance." 
Judge: J. J. Glynn. 



BLACK 



m m^ 



^/^yJ^y. 



V/T/^M 



m 




m 




White to mate in two moves. 



CHESS LYRICS 363 



1. Qf6, 



No. 208. 



Soli 


LJTION : 


PxQ; 


2. 


Re8 mate. 


Pc4+; 


2. 


RxP mate. 


Rg5; 


2. 


Qe7 mate. 


QRelse; 


2. 


Qf5 mate. 


Rg3; 


2. 


Rel mate. 


KRelse; 


2. 


BxKt mate. 


Kt any ; 


2. 


Kt c3 mate. 


Pe6; 


2. 


Kt d6 mate 


Pe5; 


2. 


Oc6 miate. 


Pg6, 


2. 


Qe6 mate. 


Pf4; 


2. 


QxP mate. 



364 



CHESS LYRICS 



No. 209. 



Honorable Mention, Seventh. Tourney, Sydney Morning Herald, 1902. 

"Under Sealed Orders." 

Judge: J. J. Glynn. 



BLACK 



^ if . .^ 



Hi ■« 



i 



■ an 111 



w. 




Hi fa 









il 




m 



White to mate in two moves. 



CHESS LTRICS 365 



No. 209. 



bOL 

. Bb6, KxR+; 


,UTIC 

2. 


Kt d4 mate. 


Rd6; 


2. 


Rc5 mate. 


KtxKt; 


2. 


QxKt mate. 


Pe3; 


2. 


Bg2 mate. 


RxQ; 


2. 


Kt c7 mate. 



366 



CHESS LYRICS 



No. 2ia 



Honorable Mention; Seventh Tourney, Sydney Morning Herald, 1902. 

"By the King's Command." 

Judge: J. J. Glynn. 



BLACK 



fM 




fm 



m. ,, i^i ^<^,k^i. 



wn 



m 




White to mate in two moves. 



1. Qgi. 



CHESS LYRICS 367 



No^ 2J0. 



SOLUTIO 


'n: 


Ral + ; 


2. 


QxRmate. 


RxQ; 


2. 


KKtxP mate, 


KxR; 


2. 


Qd4 mate. 


QKtany: 


2. 


Kt f7 mate. 


KKtany; 


2. 


Rf5 mate. 


B any; 


2. 


Bg3 mate. 


Pf2; 


2. 


KKt f3 mate. 



368 



CHESS LYRICS 



No. 211. 



First Prize, Brighton and Hove Society, 1902. 

"Eros." 

Judges: J. Keeble, T. H. Billington. 






m mm. 



y//////////. yy/z/z/y/A 



'//,. V////r^/A 






yyyyyyzZy 



m 'mmz 



yyyyyyyyyy^. 



i 



1 



vm, 



White to mate in three moves. 



CHESS LYRICS S69 



No. 2IL 



1. Ktb4, 



Solution: 


Kf4; 


2. 


Oel, Ke5; 




3. 


Qg3 mate. 




2. 


Qel,else; 




3. 


Kt d3 mate. 


KxP; 


2. 


Qa7, Kc5; 




3. 


Qe7 mate. 




2. 


Qa7, else; 




3. 


Qc7 mate. 


Pel; 


2. 


QxP+, KxP; 




3. 


Kt f5 mate. 


B any ; 


2, 


Bh24-, KxKt; 




3. 


Qgl mate. 


Pb5; 


2. 


Bh2+, KxKt; 




3. 


Qa7 mate. 



"The key cannot be considered very difficult as it is evident 
the White Knight must move somewhere, but the variations 
fully atone for any weakness in the first move. The problem is 
well varied, with clear and economical mates, the purity of the 
mates making it more difficult to solve. It is not easy to single 
out the best mating position, they are all good. I admire the 
one after 1 . . . Pel, 2. QxP+, KxP, etc. Altogether a very 
fine composition." 

T. H. Billington. 

"This problem has evidently been composed to illustrate 
pure and economical mates, of which there are no fewer than 
seven, and this is accomplished without the duals that are so 
great a feature in problems which nearly attain to the maximum 
number of 'model' mates. The key is somewhat indifferent, and 
of a 'give and take' nature, but it is not so bad as it looks. It 
is a distinct advantage in a problem that aims at economical 
mates for White to lose one or more of his pieces. Here a piece 
which is en prise is removed to a place of safety, and kept to 
take part in the fray. The slight Black force is well managed 
and the problem is ver^^ correct and noteworthv in all respects." 

J. Keeble. 



370 



CHESS LTRICS 



No. 212. 



Version of Competitor in Brighton Society Tourney, 1902. 
"Dressed in Dreamland." 



i^^^^ 






m, ^Si„.5',..^B '^m 

y-mm mm. 




^ , <y//////y/'. 




imM 



White to mate in three moves. 



CHESS LYRICS 371 



No. 


212. 


Solution: 


. Be2, KxR; 


2. 


Ktf4+, KxP; 




3. 


Ba3 mate. 




2. 


Ktf4+, Ke4; 




3. 


Bd3 mate. 


PxR; 


2. 


Qe8+, Kd4; 




3. 


QxP mate. 




2. 


Qe8+, Kf5; 




3. 


Qg6 mate. 




2. 


Qe8+, Kte5; 




3. 


QxKt mate. 


RxP; 


2. 


QxR, PxR; 




3. 


Qg4 mate. 




2. 


QxR, Kte5; 




3. 


QxKt mate. 


RxB; 


2. 


Qd4+, KtxQ; 




3. 


Re5 mate. 



"The key is a rather direct approach, but good nevertheless, 
and not easy in view of the two beautiful deceptive mates follow- 
ing 1 . . . KxR and the Q-sacrifice threat initiated. It is 
noteworthy that the mate, when 2 . . . KxP, fails of being the 
celebrated 'Parisian Favorite' only owing to the White Pawn at 
h5; but of course the mate is really none the less pure and beauti- 
ful for this technicality, and the Pawn at h5 is necessitated by 
the Rook at hi, which later serves to make the mate after 
1 . . . RxB pure, while also creating a good variation when 
1 . . . RxP. The mate after 1 . . . PxR, 2 . . . Kd4 is 
again exquisite in its originality and purity. There are several 
close tries, such as 1. Qf6, 1. Qg8, etc. The problem taken as a 
whole is a masterpiece." 

H. W. Barry. 



372 



CHESS LYRICS 



No. 213. 



Honorable Mention, Brighton Society, 1902. 

"Love's Old Sweet Song." 

Judges: B. G. Laws, C. Planck. 



H 




wm 




B 



p^ md/. 






m ^ mm. 



ft 




'yy//////m. 



'mm: m. 



P 




WHITE 



White to mate in two moves. 



CHESS LTRICS 373 



1. Ktf7, 



No. 


213. 


Solution: 


KxR; 


2. QdSmate. 


Bel; 


2. Bbl mate. 


Bf2; 


2. Rf4mate. 


Belse; 


2. KtgBmate. 


Rf3; 


2. Re5mate. 


RxR; 


2. Qe2mate. 


Pany; 


2. Ktd6mate. 



"There is some elegant play here though the gist of the 
problem is wintry in age. The key is poor, and, though there 
are some tries, the defence is emphatic. The Black Pawn at a7 
is a telling little body." 

Judges* Report, 



374 



CHESS LYRICS 



No. 214. 



Competitor in Brighton Society Informal Tourney, 1902. 

"Old Gems with New Facets." 

BLACK 




WHITE 

White to mate in two moves. 



No. 215. 



Competitor in Eighth Tourney, Sydney Morning Herald, 1902-3. 

"Tact." 

Judge: J. J. Glynn. 

BLACK 




WHITE 

White to mate in two moves. 



CHESS LYRICS 375 



No. 214. 

Solution: 

1. Rg5, Kte3; 2. Kt g4 mate, 

Ktf4; 2. Ktf2mate. 

Kth4; 2. Rg4mate. 

Rd4; 2. Re5mate. 

Rb4; 2. Ktc5mate. 

BxQP; 2. KtxB mate. 

Bb4; 2. Qc4mate. 

Pc5; 2. BdSmate. 

Bh7; 2. BxB mate. 

B else; 2. Qf5 mate. 

QKt any; 2. Qf3 mate. 



No. 215. 





So] 


lution: 


1. Bd5, 


KxKt+ ; 


2. Pe5 mate. 




BxB; 


2. Re6mate. 




Pb4; 


2. Kt c4 mate 




Kt any ; 


2. Qg3 mate. 




R any; 


2. KtfTmate. 



376 



CHESS LYRICS 



No. 216. 



Competitor in La Strategie, 1901-2 
"Reve d' Or," 
Judge: J. Tolosa y Carreras. 




^ 



: y//>77Z^y 



i^ 



■ i 




"X 

m 








m 








■a 



^^^^^« 



White to mate in three moves. 



CHESS LTRICS 377 



No. 216. 



Solution: 


1. Bd4, PxP; 


2. Qa6, PxQ; 




3. Ktd6mate. 


Kf5; 


2. QxKP+, KxQ; 


, 


3. Bg4mate. 


Pe5; 


2. Qg6+, PxQ; 




3. KtdGmate. 


Kte5; 


2. QxKt+, Kd3; 




3. Qe2mate. 


KtxP, threat; 


2. QxQP+, KxQ; 




3. BfSmate. 




2. QxQP+, PxQ; 




3. Ktd6mate. 



378 



CHESS LYRICS 



No. 217. 



First Prize, Norwood News, 1901-2. 
"Plot and Passion." 
Judges: Capt. Beaumont, S. Baxter, B. G. Laws. 



I 11 




M. m 



ill 



Ml,„^„ H 



^ '^'"^ ''■ 



White to mate in two moves. 



CHESS LYRICS 

No. 217. 



Solution: 


1. Re4, KxR; 


2. Ktc5mate. 


KtxR; 


2. QKtd4mate, 


PxB; 


2. KtxPmate. 


QxR; 


2. QhSmate. 


Of 4; 


2. RxQ mate. 


Qg5; 


2. Ktc5mate. 


Qh4; 


2. Qh7inate. 


threat ; 


2. ReSmate. 



"This problem is a gem for more reasons than one. The 
key move is as good as one can expect in a well varied two-mover 
of the threat order though to the expert solver it may appear 
manifest; but the fact that it is strategically clever, and one that 
the experienced eye will detect, is really no deterrent from its 
merits. The position contains a threat, and there is unprece- 
dented genuine variety, bearing in mind that the Black King 
has a move; all the variations are blended with excellent unity, 
and most of them are interesting. It is complex, beautiful and 
accurate. It need hardly be pointed out that every White 
piece officiates in at least a double capacity, and that the mate 
after 1 . . . KxR is a perfect pure mirror. Naturally such a 
problem as this has its merits from a constructive point of view. 
To give one instance, the White King is happily placed to avoid 
a cook by 1. Qh7+. It seems possible, however, that a Black 
Bishop might be saved, though to make a suggestion in a com- 
position of this calibre (which must emanate from the hands of 
a master) is a trifle dangerous. Suppose, for instance, the B. P. 
at h6 is changed for a W. P., the B. B. at h3 for a B. P., the 
B. P. at e2 thrown into the box, and the B. B. at el shifted to 
dl*. As the position originally stands, the B. B. at h3 prevents 
a cook by 1. Kt g7+, whilst the P at h6 is Black. This is not only 
the finest entry in this competition, but worthy to rank amongst 
the foremost two-movers which have appeared of late years." 

Report of B. G. Laws. 

*' ' This alteration would improve the problem out of existence 
since there would be no mate after 1 . . . QxR. I was, indeed, 
aware that there could have been some saving of material, 
though not in the manner suggested by the judges. The B. P. 
was placed on e2 to prevent the Q. going to that square or to 
dl, in which event there would have been a dual by 2. Rf4 mate 
and 2. Qh7 mate; and the presence of the P. made necessary 
the introduction of the B. at el. Now, this dual might have been 
prevented by placing a B. P. on f3 in lieu of the W. P. on g2. 
In this case, however, there would have been no mirror mate 
after 1 . . . KxR, and I was determined that the finale after 
that move should be a model mirror mate. As to whether, in 
any event, such a dual should have been removed by the addition 
of the B. and P., I am by no means certain; but in view of the 
unsettled state of opinion among English judges as to the im- 
portance of duals in 2-ers, the addition was perhaps advisable." 

A. F. M. 



3S0 



CHESS LYRICS 



No* 218- 

Third Prize, Norwood News, 1901-2. 

"The Golden Butterfly." 

Judges: Capt. Beaumont, B. G. Laws, S. Baxter. 



BLACK 



Y///////7^. '^^^A 



9k 



^ 



mm. 1 



ii 




'm m 



'^^^ 'mm fim m 





m Mmm. 



ilii 



9k 



i 



^ 




WHITE 



White to mate in two moves. 



CHESS LYRICS 381 



No. 2J8. 

Solution: 

1. Kte3, Kd4; 2. Kt e2 mate. 

Kf6; 2. Qg7mate. 

KtxKt; 2. Qal mate. 

KtxP; 2. Qg7mate. 

Ktf6; 2. Ktc4mate. 

else; 2. Kt g4 mate. 

"A delicately-poised setting with three charmingly clean 
mates. The key is artistically and strategically good, though 
the whole conception does not strike one as being particularly 
original. It must not be inferred from this remark that the com- 
position is considered to be an infringement or a 'colorable 
imitation,' but the general method is not strikingly novel. The 
construction has been manipulated with great skill, and the 
effects are most pleasing. It is a pity the three black pawns 
are wanted, but they are requisite to avoid cooks, i. e. RP 
to prevent 1. Qb6, QP to prevent 1. QxKt, and KP to prevent 

1. Qg7+." 

Report of B. G. Laws. 



382 



CHESS LYRICS 



No. 219, 



Fifth Prize, Third Tourney, Leisure Hour, 1902. 

"Strike On." 

Judges: S. J. Stevens, F. W. Andrew. 



m m 



■M. 'My ,^ 



mi ■M 



i iOi 





White to mate in three moves. 



CHESS LYRICS 



No. 219. 

Solution: 

1. Oel, QRxQ; 2. Bbo, any; 

3. Bd7 mate. 
KRxQ; 2. Kt g7+, BxKt; 

3. Bf5mate. 
KtxQ; 2. Ktd4+, RxKt; 

3. Bfo mate. 
Re5; 2. RxR+, PxR; 

3. QxP mate. 

"The judges pronounced this one of the most striking 
problems in the tourney, but disrated it because of what they 
termed the 'many duals and short mates.' Authorities do not 
place any more importance on a short mate than on the most 
trivial dual, and the 'many duals' the judges had in mind are 
only two ways of mating in short mates and double continuations 
in the full number of moves when a short mate was present: a 
curious misconception as to what are really considered duals." 

A. F. M. 



384 



CHESS LYRICS 



No. 220. 



First Prize, British Chess Magazine, Eleventh Tourney, 1902. 

"A Fairily-Fashioned Fancy." 

Judges: C. Planck, C. D. Locock. 



i. 



■ 



m 






m. 






imiWMm m 






White to mate in three moves. 



CHESS LYRICS 385 

No. 220. 



1. Ktf5, Pg5; 

KxP 

PxKt 

Pc3 



Pa6; 



:50lution: 


2. 


Bg4, KxP; 


3' 


Kt f5 mate. 


2. 


Bg4, Pc3; 


3. 


Kt e3 mate. 


2. 


Ktc5+, KxKt; 


3. 


Qh3 mate. 


2 


Qdl+, KxP; 


3. 


Qd6 mate. 


2. 


Qbl,KxP; 


3. 


Kt c5 mate. 


2. 


Qbl,Kc4; 


3. 


Kt e3 mate. 


2. 


Qbl,else; 


3. 


Qa2 mate. 


2. 


Qh3, PxP; 


3. 


Kt e7 mate. 


2. 


Qh3, Pc3; 


3. 


Kt e3 mate. 


2. 


Qh3, KxP; 


3. 


Kt e5 mate. 


2. 


Qh3, PxKt; 


3. 


QxP mate. 


; 2. 


KxKt, PxKt; 



0. 


Qdl mate. 


2. 


KxKt, Pc3; 


3' 


Kt e3 mate. 



Ktf: 



"For pure beauty and subtle grace this stands alone. The 
key, though good, is likely to be tried by the experienced solver; 
and it is perhaps unfortunate, on that account, that only minor 
variations, easily discovered, follow the two natural defences 
1 . . .KxKt, and 1 . . . KxP; so that the first feeling may 
be of disappointment. But it is after this that the real problem 
begins, and the solver finds with surprise and admiration that 
the three main variations spring from three simple-looking 
moves of the Black Pawns. The defence 1 . . . Pa6 (or Bc6) 
gives full value to the threat variations — a beautiful continuation 
followed by three admirable mates, the Queen being used to 
guard the Kt or P as required. Another fine second move results 
from 1 . . . Pc3, and now the Queen prepares to defend the 
Knight at f5 in a similar manner to that of her former concealed 
defence of the KP. But the surprise of the problem comes from 
the beautiful defence 1 . . . Pg5; after this the coincidence that 



386 



CHESS LYRICS 



No. 22L 



Second Prize, ex aequo. British Chess Magazine, Eleventh Tourney, 1902. 

"The Merry -go-Round." 

Judges: C. Planck, C. D. Locock. 







m Mi 





m 4M 



mm w^ 




i i^J 



MM 



I! 




m mm. 



■ i 



ih 



^ 




^ B. 



WHITE 



White to mate in three moves. 



CHESS LTRICS 387 

the Queen neither can nor need play to h3 has almost a miracul- 
ous effect, resulting in the beautiful move 2. Bg4. A repetition 
of the principal mates of the threat- variation now follows, the 
difference lying in the fact that the Q and B have exchanged 
diagonals. This interchange of work is the great feature of a 
problem in which there is much else to admire. Altogether there 
are three fine and quiet continuations and four pure and beautiful 
mates, not counting the repetitions after 2. Bg4. Four other 
mates (the two after 1 . . . Kt f7, and two of those following 
1 . . . Pc3) are of average merit. There are no dual con- 
tinuations, but dual mates may result from the two leading- 
variations, if Black declines to make any effort, and, in the same 
way, after 2. KxKt. The Bishop at g7 is stationary throughout, 
but otherwise the White pieces share the work very fairly. The 
Black Pawn at h7 nullifies the fine try by 1. Qdl (threatening 
2. Kt c6dis. ch) , the only defence being 1 . . . Ph5. The Pawn 
at a4 of course stops a dual mate, but the Pawn at a7 seems 
redundant, for 1 . . . Bc6 is just as good a defence as 1 . . . 
Pa6*. Nevertheless but little deduction can be made on this 
score; for the composer might reasonably say that he desired 
his three principal variations to depend on the movements of three 
Black Pawns; and who is to say that they do not?" 

Judges' Report. 
*"This is not so. After 1 . . . Pa6 there are three model 
mates in the threat, whereas after 1 . . . Bc6 the mate follow- 
ing 2 . . . Pc3 is not quite pure, c6 being blocked as well as 
guarded." 

A. F. M. 

No. 221. 

Solution: 

1. Oh2, BxR; 2. Qe2+, PxQ: 3. BxP mate. 

KxR; 2. BxP+, Ke6; 3. Kt d4 mate. 

2. BxP+, Kc4; 3. Qe2 mate. 

PxP; 2. Qf4+, KxR; 3. Kt b4 mate. 

OKtanv; 2. 6c7+, KxR; 3. Kt c3 mate. 

Ktf7; ' 2. Rc5+. Kd3; 3. Bf5 mate. 

Bb2; 2. BxBP, Bh7; 3. Qc7 mate. 

2. BxBP, Bd4; 3. Qe2 mate. 

Bd2; 2. Qd6, Bb4; 3. KtxP mate. 

Pe2; 2. Qd6, Be3; 3. KtxB mate. 

KtxB,th-eat; 2. Qd6, BxR; 3. Oa6 m.ate. 

2. Qd6, else; 3. Qco mate. 

"A very powerful problem. Though plenty of force is 
employed, the position seems to fill the board without over- 
crowding it. and the central-mating field, the scene of three pure 
mates, is left beautifully clear. The key is of moderate difficulty 
and beaut V, for the threatened 1 . . . KxR would clearlv be 



388 



CHESS LYRICS 



No. 222. 

Honorable Mention in Fifth Tourney of Hampstead and Highgate Express, 1902. 

"Anancy." 
Judge: R. Teichmann. 



BLACK 



m ^ £^M 



■ 







1 



m 



White to mate in two moves. 



CHESS LTRICS 389 

too strong if the Black diagonal were left unguarded. At the 
same time there is a splendid try by 1. Qdl, met only by 1 . . . 
Kt d2!; and even then White may make another effort by 2. BxP. 
There is another good try by 1. BxP, compelling 1 . . . Kt c3. 
The continuations, though well varied, are all forcible, for the one 
quiet move threatens two obvious mates. The sacrifice of the 
Queen, followed by 3. BxP mate, reminds one of a similar device in 
Mackenzie's prize-winner in the New York Sun Tourney. There 
are six pure mates (in one of them one of the Knights is ' looking 
on'), three of them being mirror mates. Two of these mirror 
mates echo each other in a very curious manner, the Q and two 
Knights standing in the one case on the same rank, and in the 
other on the same horizontal. Very beautiful too is the way 
the Queen works her way round to so distant a square as a6. 
Perhaps one's chief regret is that the mate after 2. Rc5+ is not 
purer. The minor variations all require study ; for instance it is 
quite a puzzle to discover what defence on Black's part compels 
2. BxP, and how Black must play in order to compel 3. KtxP+. 
Considering that the key is a double threat, the dual continua- 
tions are remarkably few. They follow apparently, after the 
useless 'defences' Bf7, Be6 and Pf5. The threatened dual mate 
after 1 . . . KtxB has already been mentioned; Black has two 
ways of destroying the option. The defence 1 , . . Bb2 
2. BxP, may also lead to dual mates, notably after 2 . . . BxR, 
but 2 . . . Kt c3, and 2 . . . Be5 or Pd6 compel White to 
discard one or other of them. The economy on both sides is 
very good, considering the grand scale on which the problem 
is constructed. With the exception of the Black Pawns on the 
QR file, there is nothing that does not take an active part in the 
play." 

Judges' Report. 



No. 222. 



1. Qg3, 



So] 


lution: 


Bco; 


2. 


Rb4 mate. 


Be5; 


2. 


Rf4 mate. 


Belse; 


2. 


QxP mate. 


Kc4; 


2. 


Kt b6 mate 


KxP; 


2. 


Re6 mate. 


PxP; 


2. 


Qb8 mate. 



This position was a great favorite with the solvers of Hamp- 
stead and Highgate Express. Mr. P. H. Williams said of it: 
"Most original; I have nothing but praise for it"; and Mr. E. J. 
Winter- Wood: "A pretty idea; the energy of Bl. B. kills his 
King by blocking right or left." 



390 



CHESS LTRICS 



No. 223. 



Competitor in Fifth Tourney, Hampstead and Highgate Express, 1902-3. 

"Little Fairy." 

Judge: R. Teichmann. 



wm. 



^ 




% j^i 









wm 




■'///■■/////. y/z/z/W/, 



m ,^WM mm. 




'mwA 



White to mate in two moves. 



CHESS LYRICS 391 



No. 223. 



1. Ktc6, 



Solution: 


Pe4,Kte4; 2. 


Qg8 mate. 


Ktc4; 2. 


Pe4 mate. 


KKtelse; 2. 


Pc4 mate. 


PxKt; 2. 


Rd7 mate. 


Pd6; 2. 


Kt e7 mate, 


QKtxR; 2. 


Kt b4 mate 



This problem failed to figure on the honor list owing only 
to the similarity existing between it and problems 223a and 223b. 



392 



CHESS LYRICS 



No. 223a. 



M. J. Meyer in Manchester Times, November 16, 1904. 
BLACK 




WHITE 

White to mate in two moves. 
1. Rf7. 



No. 223b. 



p. F. Blake in Brighton Society, January 5, 1905. 
BLACK 




WHITE 

White to mate in two moves. 
1. Pe3. 



CHESS LTRICS 393 



" During the course of the H. & H. E. Tourney, 1902, I was 
asked by the Chess Editor to give an opinion as to the originality 
of the problem under motto 'Little Fairy,' being of course 
ignorant of the authorship. In return I sent him the two posi- 
tions by Blake and myself (see opposite page), pointing out 
that the play of the B. Kt. on d2 in conjunction with the adja- 
cent White Pawns and the W. R. had been previously done in 
Blake's problem, and the remaining play in my own. Whether 
the combination of the two lines of play in one problem should 
render the position eligible for competition, is a question on 
which opinions will probably differ; but in a tourney 'Little 
Fairy' would naturally lose heavily on the score of lack of 
originality." 

Max J. Meyer, September 14, 1903. 



394 



CHESS LYRICS 



No^ 224. 



Honorable Mention, Literary Digest, 1902-03. 
"Finis Coronat Opus." 
Judges: G. Reichhelm, G. E. Carpenter. 



W^4. 



y/////////yy.. 



Va ''/^^yT^A 



i 

111 



IM 



Ilk 



"Mm 
i 



m 







i 



■^ 






m 



White to mate in three moves. 



CHESS LYRICS 395 

No. 224. 

Solution: 

1. Ba6, PxR; 2. QxBP, PxQ; 

3. BcSmate. 

2. QxBP, else; 

3. Q mate. 
PxB; 2. QxP, KxR; 

3. Qc2mate. 

2. QxP, Ktc3; 

3. Qe6 mate. 
PxP; 2. Pg4+, QxP; 

3. Re5 mate. 
Pd4; 2. RxP+, Ke6; 

3. Qe4 mate. 
KtxP; 2. Qdl, PxR; 

3. QdTmate. 

2. Qdl, KtxP; 

3. Qf3 mate. 

2. Qdl, else; 

3. Re5 mate. 
Ktf3; 2. PxKt, P+R; 

3. QxP mate. 

Ktg6; 2. Pf3, else; 

3. Re5 mate, 

threat; 2. BxP, any; 

3. Bc8 mate. 

"Eight good variations out of such a difficult position show 
constructive skill of the highest order." 

G. E. Carpenter. 

One of the most striking variations. 1 . . . KtxP, is apt to 
be overlooked by the superficial solver. 



396 



CHESS LYRICS 



No. 225. 



Fifth Best, "King in the Comer" Tourney, Norwich Mercury, 1903. 

"Winter." 

Judges: A. C. Challenger, Max J. Meyer. 



^H 



% — 9y//////y//. 



'iHL^'Z' 




M^^ 'WM>,^ ^ 'WM^. 




WM WM. 



v^y. — w///m. mm. 



w^, 'y^//////m, 




White to mate in two moves. 



CHESS LTRICS 



397 



No. 225, 



1. Pf4, 



Solution: 


QxB; 


2. 


QxQ mate. 


Qelse; 


2. 


BxQ mate. 


Ral,2, 3; 


2. 


QxR mate. 


Ra4; 


2. 


RxR mate. 


Ra6; 


2. 


RxR mate. 


Ra7; 


2. 


Kt c7 mate. 


Rb8; 


2. 


Kt b6 mate. 


Rc8; 


2. 


RxR mate. 


RdS, fS; 


2. 


PxR mate. 


Rg8; 


2. 


RxR mate. 


Rh8; 


2. 


QxR mate. 



"A very well constructed problem with practically the 
maximum amount of variety possible; for, though 'The Massacre' 
by P. G. L. F. has nominally an extra mate, they are all monoton- 
ous captures, whereas here the capturing piece is cleverly varied, 
and two non-capturing variations introduced." 

Max J. Meyer. 

The coincidence in play between "Winter" and an old 
problem from Deutsches Wochenschach is a striking one. The 
superiority of Mr. Mackenzie's key will at once be seen. 

No. 225a. 

By J. Bartsch, 1894. 
BLACK 




WHITE 

White to mate in two moves. 
1. Bf3. 



398 



CHESS LYRICS 



No. 226. 



Seventh Best," King in the Corner" Tourney, Norwich Mercury, 1903. 

"Spring." 

Judges: A. C. Challenger, Max J. Meyer. 






% "^ 



m 
11 



1 





y/////y///^y 



i ^: 




White to mate in two moves. 



CHESS LTRICS 



199 



No. 226. 





So 


LUTION : 


1. Rb2 


KxR; 


2. QhSmate. 




PxR; 


2. Kt b3 mate. 




BxB; 


2. KRxB mate 




else; 


2. Ra2mate. 



"Very similar in idea to Heathcote's No. 226a, but not quite 
so good, as with the same number of variations, an additional 
White Rook is used. The long range model mate after 1, . . . 
KxR, and the pinned mates after 1, . . . PxR, are both capital, 
but these are the only two which are economical, as against four 
in Heathcote's." 

Max J. Meyer. 



No. 226a. 



Second Prize, by Godfrey Heathcote. 
BLACK 




WHITE 

White to mate in two moves. 
1. Ktd2. 



400 CHESS LYRICS 

No. 227. 

Honorable Mention, "King in the Comer" Tourney, Norwich Mercury, 1903. 

"Autumn." 

Judges: A. C. Challenger, Max J. Meyer. 

BLACK 




WHITE 

White to mate in two moves. 



No. 228. 



Competitor in "King in the Corner" Tourney, Norwich Mercury, 1903. 

"Summer." 

Judges: A. C. Challenger Max J. Meyer. 

BLACK 




WHITE 

AVhite to mate in two moves. 



CHESS LYRICS 401 



1. Qf6, 



No. 227. 



Solution: 


QxRP+; 


2. KxQ mate. 


Qelse; 


2. KxPmate. 


BxP+; 


2. KxB mate. 


BxQ; 


2. Pc8(Q)mate. 


Bh2; 


2. QxKt P mate 


PxQ; 


2. RgSmate. 


KtPxR; 


2. QfSmate. 


RPxR; 


2. Qh4mate. 


RPelse; 


2. RhGmate. 



No. 228, 



So] 


lution: 


1. Ba6, KxR; 


2. BxP mate. 


PxR; 


2. Rh6mate. 


BxB; 


2. QxB mate. 


else; 


2. Rh2mate. 



"This is practically just another setting of 'Spring,' and 
as Challenger and I both slightly preferred the latter, we scored 
it instead." 

Max J. Meyer, August 12, 1903. 



402 



CHESS LYRICS 



No- 229. 



Inscribed to'the Promoter of the "King in the Corner" Tourney. Norwich Mer- 
cury. July 15, 1903. 

black! 




WHITE 

White to mate in two move.^ 



No. 230. 



Inscribed to the Judges of the "King in the Corner" Tourney, Norwich Mercury, 

July 15, 1903. 

BLACK 




WHITE 

White to mate in three moves. 



CHESS LYRICS 403 



No. 229. 



So] 


lution: 


RxP+; 
Rh2; 
B any ; 
Kt any ; 


2. 
2. 
2. 
2. 


KtxR mate 
Rcl mate. 
Qa8 mate. 
Qal mate. 



1. Kb3, 



"A very interesting pure waiter, with two pretty pinned 
mates, and two fine long shots." 

Max J. Meyer in Norwich Mercury. 

There are also some interesting tries, which trapped numer- 
ous solvers of the columns in which this problem was reproduced • 
1. KtxKt is defeated by 1, . . . RxP; 1. Qh7, by 1, . . .Rh2; 
etc. In at least one chess column, Hereford Times, August 8, 
1903, this latter try is soberly given, with five variations, as 
the correct key of the problem. 



No. 230. 

Solution: 

1. Rhl, PxR;- 2. Qg8+, Ktf8; 

3. QxKt mate. 
Pb5; 2. QxRP+, KxQ; 

3. Ral mate, 
else; 2. QxQKt P, PxO; 

3. Ral mate. 

"A beautiful key to a charming ' King in the Corner ' problem. 
The try by 1. Ke2ismost misleading, as it allows of the author's 
variation, sacrificing Q after 1, . . . Pbo. It is in all respects a 
splendid problem." 

Max J. Meyer in Norwich Merctiry. 

The try mentioned in Mr. Meyer's criticism is defeated by 
1 . . . Kt any, for if 2. QxQKtP. Pgl claiming a Knight, check. 



404 



CHESS LYRICS 



No. 231. 



First Prize, Leeds Mercury, 1901-03. 

"So Runs my Dream." 

Judges: J. Keeble, T. Tavemer, E. J. Winter- Wood. 
B. G. Laws (final adjudicator). 



m^ 






1 




^JMR^ 



wm 

wan 'Mi'' 



4^i 



HI 



^J 



ft ■ ■ iii- 

^^, y///////y/. 



White to mate in two moves. 



CHESS LTRICS 



405 



No. 23t 



Solution 



1. Pf7, 



Re6; 

RxBP 

Ktf4; 

Qf4 

Bf5 

Be6 

Pg4 

else 



2. Ra5 mate. 
2. KtxRmate. 
2. QxB mate. 
2. QbSmate. 
2. QxB mate. 
2. BdGmate. 
2. Qf5mate. 
2. QfGmate. 



"This position is, considering its motives, splendidly con- 
structed. It is a threat problem with no flight square for the 
King, and the Key is not in high style; but, on the other hand, 
it is not bad. Some of the variations (and there are seven) are 
not, as is all the case, in well- varied threat two-movers, 'classy,' 
but a few are piquant in the extreme; and though the composi- 
tion does not claim to possess virtues of purity, it has at least 
the merit of unity. It is a capital piece of work, and the more 
it is analysed the more must it be admired." 

Report of B. G. Laws. 



406 



CHESS LYRICS 



No. 232. 

lentil Best, Leeds Mercury Tourney, 1901-3. 
"The Rest is Silence." 
Judges: J. Keeble, T. Taverner, E. J. Winter- Wood. 
B. G. Laws (final adjudicator.) 






mm, WM>. 



m 



'^M^. 



'm V///M. 



WHITE 

White to mate in two moves. 



No. 233. 



Competitor in Leeds Mercury, 1901-3. 
"The Lost Chord." 

BLACK 



^^M. mmm S 



" "'wM""''wm, 



i ^«f 



4feH 



WHITE 

White to mate in two moves. 



CHESS LYRICS 407 



No. 232. 



Soli: 


rxiON: 


1. Bh4, PxB; 


2. QgTmate. 


Pg4; 


2. Bf6mate. 


Ra5; 


2. Qal mate. 


Rd5+; 


2. Bd7 mate. 


Relse; 


2. Qc5 mate. 


BxP; 


2. KtxB mate. 


B else; 


2. Kt g6 mate 


Pf3; 


2. BgSmate. 


PxR; 


2. Pd4mate. 



No. 233. 



1. Be4, 



Solution: 


PxKB; 


2. Qdl mate. 


Pd4; 


2. Kt b7 mate. 


PxQB; 


2. Qa6mate. 


Pb5; 


2. Bc7 mate. 


Pc4; 


2. Bb4mate. 


RxP; 


2. QxRmate. 


RxR; 


2. KKt f7 mate 


KKtany; 


2. Ktf5mate. 


OKt any; 


2. Of4mate. 



408 



CHESS LYRICS 



No. 234. 



Competitor in Leeds Mercury, 1901-3. 

"Ships that Pass in the Night." 

BLACK 




WHITE 

White to mate in two moves. 



No. 235. 



Competitor in Leisure Hour, 1902. 
"Rigal." 
BLACK 




WHITE 

White to mate in three moves. 



1. Bf8, 



1. Ktd7, 



CHESS LYRICS 409 



No. 234. 



bOLUTION: 


Ktd6; 


2. 


Kt e7 mate. 


Kte5; 


2. 


Kt f6 mate. 


KKtelse; 


2. 


Rd8 mate. 


Pb4; 


2. 


Ra5 mate. 


PxR; 


2, 


BxKt mate. 


Pe5; 


2. 


QxKt mate. 


QKtelse; 


2. 


Qd4 mate. 


Bel; 


2. 


Kt e3 mate. 


Bel; 


2. 


KtxP mate. 


No. 


235. 


Solution : 


Pf2; 


2. 


Qd3+, KtxQ 




3. 


Bg2 mate. 


Bd8; 


2. 


Qd4+, RxQ; 




3. 


Kt c3 mate. 


Rd4; 


2. 


Qc5, KtxQ; 




3. 


Kt c3 mate. 




2. 


Qc5, Pf2; 




3. 


Qf5 mate. 


Kd5; 


2. 


KtxB+, Ke4 




3. 


Qe3 mate. 


threat; 


2, 


Qe5+, RxQ; 




3. 


Kt f6 mate. 



410 



CHESS LYRICS 



No- 236. 



First Prize Eighth Totimey, Sydney Morning Herald, 1902-3. 
"Footfalls of Fate." 
Judge: J. J. Glynn. 



BLACK 



^i fMm 






y/A 



im. 






mm ^ #S 




y>y7/^. 



m 



White to mate in two moves. 



CHESS LTRICS 411 



No- 236. 



1. Qe2, 



Solution: | 


Pf5+; 


2. Bb7 mate. 


Pf6+; 


2. RdVmate. 


Bd4+; 


2. RbGmate. 


Ktc3; 


2. Pd4mate. 


Ktcl; 


2. QxB mate. 


Pf3; 


2. Qh2mate. 


Bc6; 


2. KtcG'mate 


threat; 


2. BxPmate. 



"The key is the inelegant masked battery, but the reason 
for it would condone even a greater fault. The author falsely 
suggests that the attack of the Rook by discovery is to be parried 
by 2. Rd7, interposing and discovering mate with the Q B, and 
great is the surprise of the solver, after long and futile efforts to 
follow this will-o'-the-wisp, that the Q and the other B are the 
real accomplices. This being extremely difficult, and making 
a harmonious whole, I allot it first place." 

Judges' Report. 

The masterly construction of this interesting problem is 
evidenced by the presence of only one dual, notwithstanding the 
strong White force, and the large number of moves at Black's 
command. If Black 1 . . . Pg5, White can play 2. Bg6 mate 
or BxR mate. There are eight variations, and Black's three 
checks lead to distinct and finely combined self-blocks. The 
close try, 1. Qgl, is prevented by 1 . . . Pf5+. It is this move 
of Black, indeed, which, by virtually forcing the key-move, is 
the only fault that can be found in this position; and to some 
the necessity of the key might remain unrevealed for a time, 
while the stronger moves of White were being essayed. 



412 



CHESS LYRICS 



No. 237. 

First Special Prize, Eighth Tourney, Sydney Morning Herald, 1902-3. 

"Swinging upon Cobwebs." 

Judge: J. J. Glynn. 



# 



■Mm IMI 

m 



fSl 



km 



V/ym^^A 






» 












^^$^^^, W////M ii^B ^gf' 



■iir«' 






White to mate in two moves. 



CHESS LYRICS 



413 



"This is undoubtedly the finest piece of work, and while I 
have to admit that the threatened checks by the Kt and P are 
necessary to correct construction, I relegate it to second place 
on account of the lack of difficulty. With cannon to right and 
cannon to left, it is inconceivable to ordinary comprehension how 
the author managed to carry out his idea with only one paltry 
dual." 

J. J. Glynn's Report. 

The dual referred to is the mate by Knight or Rook after 
1 . . . Pc2. 

Mr. Barry in Montreal Daily Witness, August 15, 1903, 
speaks of this problem as follows: — "These 2-ers remind me of 
the recent experiments with a triple P discovered check, with 
mates differing accordingly.* Mr. Mackenzie is satisfied with 
two checks from the Pawn. In the Special Prize-winner the 
key is of a very hackneyed sort, but the two diagonal Kt mates 
are original and the cross-fire upon Black King made construction 
difficult if somewhat forced. There are seven real variations and 
one dual, which nothing was left to prevent." 



No. 237a. 

J. C. J. Wainwright. 
BLACK 




WHITE 

White to mate in two moves. 
1. Rf6. 

*For an example see No. 237a. 



414 



CHESS LTRICS 



No. 238. 



Version of Competitor in Manchester Times, 1902-4. 



BLACK 



'■Mm^ 



^ ^i 



mi m.i^-mm, -mm. 

si isi 'mm 
^P WM 'WM X 

y//y///////' w/m. w^^ 
m fM. 



m. 




Y///////, 









White to mate in three moves. 



CHESS LTRICS 415 



No. 


237. 


Solution: 


:2, PxP+; 


2. Kt eo mate. 


Pd5+; 


2. Kt g3 mate. 


RxR+; 


2. Ktf2mate. 


Ktf3+; 


2. QxKtmate. 


RxKt; 


2. BxRmate. 


KxR; 


2. KtxQBPmate 


threat ; 


2. Kt b2 mate. 



No. 238. 





Solution: 


Be4, KxR 


2. 


Qd4+, KxKt; 




3. 


Bd2 mate. 


BxR; 


2, 


Qh2+, Kd4; 




3. 


Bf2 mate. 


Ph6; 


2. 


Kt f3+, KxR 




3. 


Qg6 mate. 




2, 


Kt f3+, KxB 




3. 


Qd4 mate. 


Pa6; 


2. 


Bf2, KxR; 




3. 


Bd4 mate. 




2. 


Bf2, BxR; 




3. 


Qh2 mate. 



416 



CHESS LYRICS 



No. 239. 



First Prize in Informal Tovirney of Brighton and Hove Society, 1903-4. 

"Salut d 'Amour." 

Judges: Max J. Meyer, J. Keeble. 



mi 








"fm 



M. 



m. 



WHITE 



White to mate in two moves. 



CHESS LYRICS 417 



1. Rf6, 



No- 239. 



SOLUTIC 


in: 


Re5; 


2. 


Rd4 mate. 


Re8; 


2. 


Rd8 mate. 


QRelse; 


2. 


Re6 mate. 


RxR; 


2. 


KtxR miate. 


Rf7; 


2. 


Rd7 mate. 


KRelse; 


2. 


Rf4 mate. 


Ktd3; 


2. 


Re5 mate. 


Ktelse; 


2. 


Qbl m.ate. 


Pe2; 


2. 


Qd4 mate. 


Pf2; 


2. 


QxKt P mate. 


PxP; 


2. 


KtxP mate. 



"A marvellously constructed problem on account of the 
numerous near tries (RxR, Rg5, Bf6, PxP, QxKt) each of which 
requires considerable thought to discover the right move for its 
frustration. The correct key is in very good style, being a re- 
treat, and lessening the guard around the Black K. The varia- 
tions produced by the two Black R's are capital." 

Report of Max J. Meyer. 



418 



CHESS LYRICS 



No. 240. 



Eighth Prize in Aftonbladet, Fifth Tourney, 1903-4. 
"Wi' a Heart and a Hand o' Steel." 
Judges: L. Collijn, P. Englund, R. Sahlberg. 



m M 










m 'mm, 



l^*i i fa A 
















WHITE 



White to mate in three moves. 



CHESS LTRICS 419 



No. 240. 



Solution: 


1. Pg5, BxKt; 


2. 


Qc8, KxR; 




3. 


Kt b5 mate. 




2. 


Qc8, else; 




3. 


Qh8 mate. 


BxQ; 


2. 


Kt d6, KxR; 




3. 


QKt b5 mate. 




2. 


Ktd6, Ktd2; 




3. 


KKt b5 mate. 




2. 


Ktd6, Pa6; 




3. 


Rc4 mate. 


BxP; 


2. 


Ktb5+, Kd5; 




3. 


Qd7 mate. 


Bd7; 


2. 


Bb2, BxQ; 




3. 


Rcl mate. 




2. 


Bb2, else; 




3. 


QxB mate. 



" Here is a mainplay with a really phenomenal second move. 
The key-move is not so good, however; and the problem gives 
the impression of being worked up from a two-mover." 

Judges' Report. 

"The judges were wrong in suggesting that this three-mover 

was elaborated from a two-mover. The primal conception was 

theblendingofthetwolinesof play, 2. Qc8 after 1 . . . . BxKt 

and 2. Kt d6 after 1 . . . BxQ." 

A. F. M. 



420 CHESS LTRICS 

No. 241. 

Competitor in Brighton and Hove Society Informal Tourney, 1903-4, 

"From Clue to Capture." 

Judges: Max J. Meyer, J. Keeble. 




WHITE 

White to mate in two moves. 



No. 242. 



Competitor in Aftonbladet, Fifth Tourney, 1903-4, 

"Folly." 

Judges: L. Collijn, F. Englund. R. Sahlberg. 

BLACK 




WHITE 

White to mate in three moves. 



CHESS LYRICS 421 

No. 241. 



Solution: 


1. Qc6, QxQ; 


2. Rc2mate. 


Qb4; 


2. QxB mate. 


Qc4; 


2. RdSmate. 


QxR; 


2. KtxQmate. 


BxQ; 


2. KtxP mate. 


Bc8; 


2. QxQ mate. 


PxP; 


2. QxP mate. 


RxP; 


2. KtxRmate. 


Relse; 


2. PeSmate. 


QKt any ; 


2. Qe4mate. 


KKtany; 


2. Kt f3 mate. 


Pe5; 


2. Qd5mate. 



"Capital play by Black Q, and altogether the problem has 
eleven (sic) variations cleverly woven together. The key being 
an approaching move is not so good as in the First Prize winner 
(No. 239) and the White Rook on b3 does very Httle." 

Report of Max J. Meyer. 



No. 242. 

Solution; 

1. Qe2, Kd5; 2. Qf3+, Ke6; 

3. Pfo mate. 
Kf5; 2. Qd3+, Ke6; 

3. Pd5mate. 
Ktany; 2. Pd5+, KxP; 

3. Qc4 mate. 

2. Pd5+, Kf5; 

3. Qd3mate. 
Ph4; 2. Pf5+, KxP; 

3. Og4 mate. 

2. Pf5+, Kd5; 

3. Qf3mate. 
Bxd4; 2. Qe4, BxB; 

3. QxB mate. 

2. Qe4, else; 

3. Pf5mate. 
Bxf4; 2. Qe4, any; 

3. PdSmate. 



422 



CHESS LYRICS 



No. 243. 



Honorable Mention in Hampstead and Highgate Express, Sixth Tourney, 1903-4. 

"What Matter!" 

Judge: B. G. Laws. 



BLACK 




■<aB ■« 



11 1 ■ 11 



i mm. 
'mm Q ^« JL m 



11 



//////////A 




# 



^,r~*.5^^^ 



B ■ 1 ■ ■ 






pi p% 

'////////z>. '>///////^. 



It^l 




■J-Blg^M ■ 



White to mate in two moves. 



CHESS LTRICS 



423 



No. 243. 



Solution: 


1. Bd6, RxB; 


2. KteTmate. 


PxB; 


2. Ktb6mate. 


BxR; 


2. Ba2mate. 


KtxBP; 


2. KtcSmate 


BxP; 


2. KtxB mate. 


Rc5; 


2. RxRmate. 


QxP; 


2. Rd4mate. 


threat ; 


2. ReSmate. 



424 



CHESS LYRICS 



No. 244. 



1821 British Chess Magazine, January, 1904. 
BLACK 




WHITE 

White to mate in two moves. 



No. 245. 

Contributed to the London Times, 1904. 
BLACK 



mm, fMm, W 






% 






I «, 



WHITE 

White to mate in two moves. 



CHESS LYRICS 



425 



No. 244. 



So] 


LUTION : 


. Qh5, Bf6; 


2. QxP(f7) mate 


Bf4; 


2. QxP(f3) mate 


Belse; 


2. QxRmate. 


Pf2; 


2. Qdl mate. 


Rany; 


2. Re5mate. 


Ktd6; 


2. KKtbGmate. 


Ktc5; 


2. QKtbomate. 


Ktelse; 


2. RbSmate. 


Pc5; 


2. BxKtmate. 



No. 245. 



Solution 



1. Rb5, 



Rd5; 

Rd6; 

RxR; 

KRelse; 

Be5; 

B else; 

Pa6; 

Pe2; 

QKtany; 

KKt any; 



Rb4 mate. 
QxR mate. 
QxB mate. 
RxP mate. 
BxB mate. 
QxB mate. 
Qb6 mate. 
Bf2 mate. 
Kt e6 mate, 
Kt f3 mate. 



426 



CHESS LTRICS 



No^ 246. 



Eighth Prize, ex aequo, in Joint Tourney of Brighton and Hove Society 
and Das Neue Illustrirte Blatt, 1903-4. 

"With all Thy Faults I Love Thee Still." 

Judges: Dr. E. Mazel, B. G. Laws. 



mmi^'m 



Wit' 

Mm... 



"Wi 
m 







^y 'Z^/^^/A 



w 






'y/^////. 



''WW^y M 



m. 



i 



m 



^ V^//////ZO'. 



m 




m 



1 



White to mate in three moves. 



CHESS LTRICS 427 

No. 246. 

Solution: 

1. Ba2, Pgo; 2. Kg7, Kd4; 

3. Ktf5mate. 

2. Kg7, else; 

3. BfGmate. 
Ph4; 2. Ktf5+, KxKt; 

3. Pg4 mate. 

Ktany; 2. Kt f5+, KxKt; 

3. Qf4mate. 

Kd4; 2. Ktc4, any; 

3. Q mate, 

threat; 2. Qd8, Kd4; 

3. Ktc4mate. 

2. Qd8, else; 

3. BfGmate. 

"The conception of this problem is a fine one. Two of the 
continuations are quiet and excellent, viz. — 1 . . . Pg5, and 
1 . . . Pd2 (the threat) . The third quiet second move is but 
an interchange of the threat, and falls flat, as the principal mate 
is an ugly one, and is forced by three moves of Black, all others 
offering White a choice of mating moves. One other defence 
brings out a clever line, viz. — Ph4. The problem therefore has 
three capital variations, leading to as many model mates. This 
is not, however, the extent of its beauty since there is subtlety in 
the defences which compel White to vary his attack. The threat 
itself, especially when the promising defence of 1 . . . Pd2 is 
weighed in, is clever; and this enhances the key move, which is 
interesting and good. The tries are not many, 1. BbS being 
the most potent, and this is foiled by a creeping and artful step 
on Black's part. The duals form a heavy ballast, but the 
beauties of the solution can carry something fairly weighty in 
this respect." 

Report of B. G. Laws. 

"Mr. Laws speaks of three model mates only, but there are 
five such mates. In the continuation after 1 . . . Pg5, if 
Black plays 2 . . . Pe3, there is a fourth by 3. Bf6 mate; 
while in the threat a fifth comes about in a similar manner." 

A. F. M. 

"Evidently the work of an expert composer — probably 
Mackenzie — but the duals* are here of great account." 

Report of Dr. Mazel. 

*See Mr. Mackenzie's Introduction. 



428 



CHESS LTRICS 



No. 247. 



Honorable Mention in Joint Tourney of Brighton and Hove Society, and 
Das Neue Illustrirte Blatt, 1903-4. 

"What canst Thou further do?" 

Judges: Dr. E. Mazel, B. G. Laws. 



1W 



wm 






^i€^M S ■ 



m. 



vs^ ''^m mm 

^m ill 



Bl 



^ 



'^^^ ^-^^*^ 







White to mate in three moves. 



CHESS LYRICS 



429 



No. 247. 



Solution 



1. Qal, KxKt 

Kg4; 
Ph3: 



BxKt; 

Pc2; 
Be3; 

threat ; 



2. QxP, Kf5; 3. 

2. QxP, Kd7; 3. 

2. Qdl+, Kf5; 3. 

2. Qdl, BxKt; 3. 

2. Qdl, KxKt; 3. 

2. Qdl,Be3; 3. 

2. Qdl, else; 3. 

2. Qfl+, Kg4; 3. 

2. Qfl+, Bf4; 3. 

2. Qe5+, Kg4; 3. 

2. KtxP+, Kg4; 3. 

2. Ktd4+, Kg4; 3. 



Qh3 mate. 
Qc8 mate. 
Kt d4 mate. 
Pg4 mate. 
Qg4 mate. 
KtxKtP mate. 
Kt d4 mate. 
Qf3 mate. 
QxB mate. 
Kt f2 mate. 
Qdl mate. 
Qdl mate. 



"Elegantly designed. Key good, particularly seeing that 
1. Qcl promises so much, and the afterplay is refreshing. There 
are two quiet second moves, but the first (after 1 . . . KxKt) is 
none too perfect, since it admits of dual mates. The other, 
however, is good, as there is a marked point which the defence 
gives, viz. — 1 . . . PhS, 2. Qdl. There are five model mates 
but the variety of these mates cannot be deemed a special item, 
since there is an annoying repetition in structure. The duals 
are obviously unavoidable, but they must be entered on the 
wrong side of the account. There are some attractive tries, 
which increase the value of the problem on the score of difficulty 
and construction. It is curious to note that the play is managed 
by the Q and the Kt at e6, with one Pawn movement, though the 
other Kt gives a mate he cannot be proud of at f2. The results 
produced in this work are good, seeing that only eighteen men 
are engaged." 

Report of B. G. Laws. 



The 



"There was evidently a misprint in the official report, 
main play has four, not five model mates." 

A. F. M. 

' ' Probably by the same author as ' With all Thy Faults I 
Love Thee Still.' It is a pretty rendering of an old idea, but not 
accurately worked out. There are a considerable number of 
duals.*" 

Report of Dr. Mazel. 



*See note in Mr. Mackenzie's introduction. 



480 



CHESS LYRICS 



No. 248. 



Contributed to Checkmate, September, 1904. 
BLACK 






WHITE 

White to mate in two moves. 



No. 249. 

Contributed to Lasker's Chess Magazine, 1904. 




WHITE 

White to mate in two moves. 



CHESS LTRICS 



431 





No- 


248. 




Solution : 


. Rc5, 


KxR; 


2. KtdSmate 




BxR; 


2. Qb2mate. 




Bd3+; 


2. Ktc4mate. 




BxB; 


2. KtxB mate 




Pe2; 


2. Qf2mate. 




threat ; 


2. Rc4mate. 



No. 249. 



1. Be6, 



Solution: 


RxB; 


2. 


Kt f7 mate. 


PxB; 


2. 


Kt c6 mate 


KtxP; 


2. 


Rg5 mate. 


BxP; 


2. 


KtxB mate 


Qf4; 


2. 


Rd5 mate. 


KtxR; 


2. 


BxQ mate. 


Ktc3; 


2. 


KtxP mate 


Ktg3; 


2. 


Pf4 mate. 


threat ; 


2. 


Re4 mate. 



432 



CHESS LYRICS 



No^ 250- 



Contributed to Brooklyn Eagle, 1904. 
BLACK 



r./ 



M ^ i^ ^^^ 

K 9^ r^ ^P ^ 



^^' '% 



y/ '/7/j^ ^/X^'A 



WHITE 

White to mate in two moves. 



No. 251. 



Contributed to Brooklyn Eagle. 1904. 
BLACK 






1 WM. 



W/W'. 



WHITE 

White to mate in two moves. 



CHESS LTRICS 



433 



No. 250. 

Solution: 



1. Pf3, 



Ktd6; 

Ktf6; 

Ktg3; 

Pf5; 

Pd5; 

PxP; 

threat 



RxBP mate. 
Rg5 mate. 
Pf4 mate. 
Kt d3 mate. 
Kt d7 mate. 
KKtxP mate. 



2. Qe4 mate. 



1. Ba7, 



No. 


251. 


Solution: 


KxKt; 


2. BbSmate. 


Kte6; 


2. QKtfTmate. 


Ktf5; 


2. KKt f7 mate 


QKtelse; 


2. QeTmate. 


KKt any ; 


2. Qf4mate. 


Pd4; 


2. QxP mate. 



434 



CHESS LTRICS 



No. 252. 



Honorable Mention in Revue d'Echecs, 1904, 

"Dear Heart," 
Judges: P. H. Williams, Baron Wardener. 



BLACK 



P 




r 




i^ 



V///////A, 



^ 







m ^. y/)^M. 




m. 








1*1- 



White to mate in two moves. 



CHESS LTRICS 435 



No. 252. 



1. Bc3, 



Solution: 


KtxB; 


2. Ktd2mate. 


PxKt; 


2. QgSmate. 


Kb3; 


2. QdSmate. 


KtxKt; 


2. Qa2mate. 


Ktb3; 


2. Kte5mate. 


threat ; 


2. KtxKt mate. 



"A very graceful problem with a good key. My colleague 
and I are both uncertain as to its entire originality; the mates 
are fine but seem familiar. Economy is first class — it is a case 
of multum in parvo." 

Report of P. H. Williams. 

"A constructive gem. The key is in good style, all the 
variations charming, the position very graceful; but the problem 
recalls several already published." 

Report of Baron Wardener. 

"The character of this two-mover is such that the fear of 
the judges that it might have been anticipated was a very 
natural one. I am glad to say, however, that the test of time 
has satisfactorily established, as I was sanguine it would do, 
the originality of the little problem, for which I entertain very 
kindly feelings." 

A. F. M. 



436 



CHESS LrRICS 



No. 253. 



Ninth Best in Re\-ne d'Echecs Toumey, 1904. 
"La Miserere." 

Judges: P. H. Williams. Barc^r. Wariener. 





W^y. 



.^a 1 



i # 

A i 1 



^^. 



6 



SI 



White to mate in two moves. 



CHESS LYRICS 437 



1. Qh5, 





No. 


253. 




Solution: 


Rf5; 
KtxP; 
BxP; 
QKtany; 
threat ; 


2. 
2. 
2. 
2. 
2. 


Pf4 mate. 
Pd4 mate. 
QxKB mate, 
KtxP mate. 
Kt g6 mate. 



438 



CHESS LYRICS 



No. 254. 



Competitor in Revue d'Echecs, 1904. 

"II Trovatore." 

Judges: P. H. Williams, Baron Wardener. 

BLACK 




WHITE 

White to mate in two moves. 



No. 255. 



Competitor in Revue d'Echecs, 1904. 

"In Deadly Peril." 

Judges: P. H. Williams, Baron Wardener. 

BLACK 




WHITE 

White to mate in two moves. 



CHESS LYRICS 439 





No. 


254. 




Solution: 


1. Bd3, 


, PxB; 


2. RdGmate. 




KxR; 


2. Ktb4mate, 




BxR; 


2. BxPmate. 




Re5; 


2. Kte7mate. 




KtxP; 


2. QxKtmate. 




threat ; 


2. Be4mate. 



1. Ktc8, 



No. 


255. 


Solution: 


KtxP; 

KKtelse; 

Ktc4; 

QKtelse; 

BxB; 


2. 
2. 
2. 
2. 
2. 


Qb7 mate. 
Kt e7 mate. 
Bf3 mate. 
Pc4 mate. 
KtxKt mate. 



440 



CHESS LYRICS 



No. 256. 



Contributed in Jamaica Leader, Jan. 29, 1904. 
BLACK 




WHITE 

White to mate in two moves. 



No. 257. 

Contributed to Jamaica Leader, February 5, 1904. 
"She Stoops to Conquer." 
BLACK 




WHITE 

White to mate in two moves. 



CHESS LTRICS 441 



No. 256. 

Solution: 

1. Bdl, KxP; 2. Qa5 mate. 

KxR; 2. BbSmate. 

This problem and the two following were contributed to the 
Solving Tourney for beginners conducted by Mr. Mackenzie in 
Jamaica Leader. They are all three graceful examples of 
light-weight strategy, the key of each one containing something 
piquant. 



No. 257. 

Solution: 

1. Qal, QxQ; 2. Kt g6 mate. 

KxP; 2. Qhlmate. 

BxKt; 2. QxQ mate. 



442 



CHESS LYRICS 



No. 258. 

Contributed to Jamaica Leader, February' 12, 1904. 

"The Ambush." 

BLACK 




WHITE 

White to mate in two moves. 



No. 259. 

Contributed to Jamaica Daily Telegraph, Christmas, 1904. 
"The Christmas Tree." 
BLACK 



■ "■■■■ 



.H 4 mi % 



B^^ilf^^ ■ 



WHITE 

White to mate in two moves. 



CHESS LYRICS 443 



No. 


258. 


Solution: 


1. Rel, PxKt; 


2. Pe4mate. 


PxP; 


2. RdTmate. 


Pd6; 


2. Ktf6mate, 


Ph2; 


2. Bg2mate. 



No, 259. 



1. Qe2, 



SOLUTIO 


'N: 


KKtxB; 2. 


QxRP mate. 


KKtelse; 2. 


Kt f7 mate. 


QKtxB ; 2. 


QxKt P mate 


QKtelse; 2. 


Kt d7 mate. 


BPxR; 2. 


Qh2 mate. 


QPxR; 2. 


Qb2 mate. 


Pb4; 2. 


Kt c4 mate. 


Ph4; 2. 


Kt g4 mate. 



"This Christmas Tree is the best representation of anything 
of the kind I have ever seen, and is very good indeed considering 
that there are eight variations. It is a problem which might be 
quoted with a purpose in many years to come." 

J. Keeble. 



444 



CHESS LTRICS 



No. 260. 

Awarded First Prize in Cheltenham Examiner (Informal) Tourney, 1904-5. 

"Cross and Crown." 

Judge: W. S. Branch. 



BLACK 



m 




^Rl 



is 






y/// Y////////// ^/T//7/r//?/, 

m M 







111 i 






^■^' 




i la 



^^Y-t^ 




White to mate in two moves. 



1. Bf3, 



CHESS LYRICS 445 



No. 260, 





Solution: 


Rf7; 


2. RdGmate. 


Rd5; 


2. Re4mate. 


Rg5; 


2. Rf4mate. 


RxP; 


2. Rd3 mate. 


Bg5; 


2. KtfSmate. 


BxR; 


; 2. Bb2 mate. 


Ktar 


ly; 2. Kte6mate, 



446 



CHESS LYRICS 



No. 261 



Honorable Mention in Cheltenham Examiner (Informal) Tourney, 1904-5. 

Judge: W. S. Branch. 

BLACK 




WHITE 

White to mate in two moves. 



No. 262. 



Contributed to Lasker's Chess Magazine, 1905. 
BLACK 




WHITE 

White to mate in two moves. 



CHESS LYRICS 



447 



No. 261. 



Solution: 


1. Qa6, Qb5; 


2. Qal mate. 


QxQ; 


2. RxKtmate. 


KtxQ; 


2. Ktd7mate. 


KtxB- 


2. QxQ mate. 


Ktb6 


2. BxPmate. 


PxBP 


; 2. BxKBPmate 


PxKt 


P; 2. KtxPmate. 


PxRP 


; 2. Pf4mate. 



No. 262. 



1. Ktd7, 



Solution: 


KxB; 


2. QxPmate. 


Kd5; 


2. Ktc5mate 


Ktd5; 


2. BxPmate. 


Ktelse; 


2. BcGmate. 


KPany; 


2. KtfGmate. 


threat; 


2. Ktc5mate 



448 



CHESS LYRICS 



No. 263. 



Awarded Third Prize in Hampstead and Highgate Express, Seventh Tourney, 

1904-5. 

"The Weird o' it." 

Judges: B. G. Laws, A. C. Challenger. 



BLACK 



1 






m 




''^/////////. '////////y/. 



WM 



■y/^^M^V/, m 



^ ^^^J ^^^ 

i 



WM, ^ ^Mi 



White to mate in two moves. 



CHESS LYRICS 449 



No- 263. 



1. Ktf3, 



Solution: 


PxKt+; 2. 


Rg5 mate. 


KtxP+; 2. 


Rf6 mate. 


KKtelse+;2. 


KKt d4 mate. 


Kd3; 2. 


Kt f4 mate. 


RxKt; 2. 


Qc2 mate. 


threat; 2. 


Kt c5 mate. 



"This is an interesting specimen of a recent Task|Problem, 
viz., permitting Black, after key-move, to give checks, which are 
met by the Attack without captures. There are six mates and 
one dual, which latter is not serious ; but the White Queen is not 
a very potent factor in the arrangement, seeing that it gives only 
one mate. It is of course necessary firstly to guard c2 after 
1 . . . Kd3, and d3 when 1 . . . KKt any." 

B. G. Laws. 

In his definition of the task here achieved Mr. Laws 
does not point out clearly that none of the checks can be given 
until after the key-move is made. It is the key which permits 
all three, a feature very difficult to attain. 



450 



CHESS LTRICS 



No* 264. 



Version of Competitor in Norwich Mercury "King in the Comer" Tour- 
ney, 1904-5. 
Judges: M. J. Meyer, A. C. Challenger. 




m 






fe)J ^» ^m. 
IS 



.ijli^ji^i 




m 




M^..«. 





White to mate in three moves. 



CHESS LYRICS 451 



No. 264. 



boi 


.UTio: 


n: 




2. 


Qbl+, PxQ; 




3. 


Kt c2 mate. 


.; 


2. 


Qd4+, Kb3; 




3. 


Qb6 mate. 




2. 


Qd4+, Rc3; 




3. 


QxRmate. 




2. 


Kt c2+, KxR 




3. 


RxR mate. 


> 


2. 


RbU, PxR; 




3. 


QxP mate. 



1. Qe4, BxR 
KxR 

Rb8 
RxR; 



This problem, without the B. P. on e2, was awarded Second 
Prize, ex aequo, in the Tourney, but afterwards was discovered 
to have three keys. 



452 



CHESS LYRICS 



No* 265* 

Contributed to Norwich Mercury, 1905. 
BLACK 




WHITE 

White to mate in two moves. 



No. 266. 



Contributed to Norwich Mercury, 1905. 
BLACK 




WHITE 

White to mate in two moves. 



CHESS LTRICS 



453 



We have seen earlier in this volume examples of great 
mating purity in the center of the board, as well as certain 
definitions as to what constitutes pure mates (cf. Nos. 127 and 
187). No. 265a shows possibly the maximum of pure mates in 
the center of the board, according to the definitions just referred 
to. We quote from Norwich Mercury of January 18, 1905, some 
comments in connection with it by Mr. Mackenzie: 

" Under the conditions as to how different mates in the same 
problem are to be distinguished, given recently in your column, 
Mr. Howard's problem can certainly lay claim to the possession 
of nine different pure mates. I am sure the leading Continental 
authorities hold as pure a mate in which there is in the king's 
field a pinned piece which could otherwise capture, or interpose, 
provided, of course, the square on which the pinned piece stands 
is commanded by no other than the pinning piece. I have been 
experimenting on the lines of this problem, and enclose what I 
think the best positions I have evolved. In No. 265 there are 
eight model mates, while in No. 266 there are fourteen pure mates. 
I think the extreme is reached in each case, but in submitting 
these problems I wish it to be understood that I do not think 
I have made a very great achievement." 



No. 265a. 

K. S. Howard. 
BLACK 




WHITE 

White to mate in two moves. 
1. Rcl. 



454 



CHESS LYRICS 



No. 267. 



Awarded Fourth Prize in Western Daily Mercury Tourney, 1904. 
"I'll be True." 



BLACK 



i. 




VM Of777777^/ V//////////, 



mm ^'■mm.r 









M a^ 'MM^, ii^l '■iMM 




my////A y/////////A va 



^ 



m mm. 




WHITE 



White to mate in two moves. 



CHESS 


LYRICS 


No, 


265. 


Solution: 


1. Rc2, QxR; 


2. PxQmate. 


Qelse; 


2. RxQ mate. 


Ral; 


2. QxR mate. 


threat; 


2. Qdl mate. 


No. 


266. 


Solution: 


1. Qh8, Rh2; 


2. Ktf2mate. 


RxKt; 


2. RhSmate. 


PxKt; 


2. QxR mate. 


BxB; 


2. QxB mate. 


B else; 


2. BxB mate. 


QxR; 


2. QxQmate. 


Qelse; 


2. RxQ mate. 



455 



No. 267. 



1. Bf8, 



SOLUTIO 


in: 


KtxP; 


2. 


Re7 mate. 


Kte3; 


2. 


Rf6 mate. 


Kte5; 


2. 


Kt c5 mate. 


QKtelse; 


2. 


Qe2 mate. 


KtxB; 


2. 


RxKt mate, 


KKtelse; 


2. 


Bf5 mate. 


QB any; 


2. 


Bf7 mate. 


BxKR; 


2. 


Kt g5 mate. 


BxQR+; 


2. 


KtxB mate, 


Pd4; 


2. 


QxKt mate, 



456 



CHESS LTRICS 



No. 268- 



Competitor in Western Daily Mercury Tourney, 1904. 
"Pansy Faces." 
BLACK 




WHITE 

White to mate in two moves. 



No. 269. 

Awarded a Weekly Prize in London Opinion, 1905. 
BLACK 




WHITE 

White to mate in two moves. 



CHESS LYRICS 457 



No* 


268. 


Solution : 


l.rQg2, KtxQ; 


2. KtgGmate. 


QKtxP; 


2. QgSmate. 


Ktg4; 


2. KtdTmate, 


KKtxP; 


2. QgTmate. 


RxKt; 


2. Qg5mate. 


Rf5; 


2. KtfTmate. 


Pd3; 


2. Qb2mate. 


No. 


269. 


Solution: 


1. Qgl, KtxKP; 


2. Pg4mate. 


QKtelse; 


2. KthGmate, 


KKtany; 


2. Pg7mate. 


Pe3; 


2. Qbl mate. 


B any; 


2. KtxPmate. 



458 



CHESS LYRICS 



No. 270. 



From Set awarded Honorable Mention in Melbourne Leader Tourney. 1903-5, 
"Good-bye, Sweet Dream, good-bye." 







#11 



m ^ ^/S^. 



m. 




mm. " wm. 



B 






f#J 





White to mate in two moves. 



CHESS LTRICS 



459 



No. 270. 



1. Rf7, 



SOLUTIO 


'N: 


KtxB; 2. 


RxR mate. 


KKtelse; 2. 


KtxP mate. 


Re8; 2. 


Qb7 mate. 


Relse; 2. 


QxKt mate. 


KtxP; 2. 


BxKtmate. 


QKtelse; 2. 


Bf3 mate. 


Pg2; 2. 


Kt f2 mate. 



460 



CHESS LTRICS 



No- 271. 



From Set, Awarded Honorable Mention in Melbourne Leader Tourney, 1903-5. 
"Good-bye, Sweet Dream, good-bye." 



BLACK 



WM WB> WM 

M ii ■ 








"• k B^iB 4 



iS9^ r\ Wrm 




£ 




m * ^^ 




Ufa 





'W/^ 









White to mate in three moves. 



CHESS LTRICS 461 



No. 271. 

Solution : 

1. Ktf4, KxP; 2. Qd5+, KtxQ; 

3. . Kt e6 mate. 
Pc3; 2. Kte2+, KxP; 

3. Pd4mate. 
Ktf6; 2. Bgl+, Ke5; 

3. Ktg6mate. 
Ktf8; 2. Qgl+, Ke5; 

3. QgTmate. 
Ktg5; 2. Qd8+, Ke5; 

3. QhSmate. 

2. Qd8+, KxP; 

3. Bgl mate. 
Ke5; 2. Ktd3+, Kf6; 

3. Be5 mate. 

Kte6; 2. KtxKt+, Kd5; 

3. Pa8(Q)mate. 

Pe6; 2. Qd8+, Ke5; 

3. Kt mate, 

threat; 2. Qd5+, KtxQ; 

3. Kte6mate. 



462 



CHESS LTRICS 



No. 272. 



First Prize in Sydney Morning Herald, Tenth Tourney, 1904-5. 
"With Sword and Lance." 
Judge: J, J. Glynn. 



Hi. 






V////////// ///////////, V/y///////> 



li m^ 




i 



^ 1=1 



■ 1 ©J ill s fgi 




mi 



WHITE 



White to mate in two moves. 



CHESS irRICS 463 



No. 272. 

Solution: 

1. Kta3, KxR+; 2. Kt e4 mate. 

RxP+; 2. KKtb5mate. 

QRelse+; 2. Pc6 mate. 

Rh2; 2. Re4mate. 

threat; 2. Kt c2 mate. 

"The Kuropatkinic 'masterly march to the rear' of the Kt, 
instead of the apparently effective advance to e5, is of the highest 
order of difficulty, as many of your staff of solvers found to their 
cost. The abandonment of the R, giving the black King a move 
out, and exposing the white King to the discovered check of the 
R, is a capital performance. The mate of the second Kt, when 
1 . . . RxP dis. ch., is also startlingly beautiful, as the key 
Kt can equally well interpose and check, though fortunately, 
from the artistic point, cannot give mate. Indeed, there is not 
an uninteresting variation in the whole campaign, and the space 
at my command for this report might be interestingly utilised in 
expatiating upon the beauties of this combination of difficulty, 
originality and construction, for, considering the balance of oppor- 
tunities for 'cut and thrust ' on both sides, the construction, too, 
is a miracle of ingenuity. . . 

After carefully summing up my impressions, as noted during 
my various examinations while solving, and more recently while 
writing out my criticisms, I unhesitatingly award the prize of 
five guineas to 'Sword and Lance,' which is the finest two-mover 
of my experience." 

Judge's Report. 



464 



CHESS LYRICS 



No^ 273. 



Second Special Prize in Sydney Morning Herald. Tenth Tourney, 1904-5. 
"A Dream Picture." 
Judge: J. J. Glynn. 



m 




w 

i 



I ,^S 





.^. ■ w * '^^ 

'^m^. ^» i^O^ X 



#^y. 



wm A^^ 






k mi 111 



^^i 




M ill 



. w/////////. Wy/////^. 








fm 



White to mate in two moves. 



CHESS LYRICS 465 



No- 273. 



1. Kte6, 



SOLUTIO 


'N: 


KtxP+; 
Kt else+; 
Pel; 
Rf3; 
threat; 


2. 
2. 
2. 
2. 
2. 


Kt g7 mate. 
Pd4 mate. 
QxP mate. 
Kt g2 mate. 
Qf4 mate. 



"There is no doubt that the defence suggests the clearing 
of the Kt out of the way of the Q, but the strategy otherwise is 
excellent. The main variation, 1 . . . KtxP dis. ch., result- 
ing in the mate, 2. Kt g7, cutting off the double attack of both 
B and R, is in fine style. It also scores highly in the general 
economy, many of the mates being almost pure, and every piece 
doing double duty." 

Judge's Report. 



466 



CHESS LYRICS 



No. 274. 



Competitor in Sydney Morning Herald, Tenth Tourney, 1904-5* 

"Called Back." 

Judge: J. J. Glynn. 

BLACK 




WHITE 

White to mate in two moves. 



No. 275. 



Competitor in Sydney Morning Herald, Tenth Tourney, 1904-5. 

"Champions of the King." 

Judge: J. J. Glynn. 

BLACK 




WHITE 

White to mate in two moves. 



CHESS LTRICS 467 



No. 274. 

Solution: 

1. Bb5, KtxP; 2. Bd3 mate. 

Ktd6; 2. Qd5mate. 

KtxB; 2. KtxKtmate 

Kte6; 2. Qg6 mate. 

Rd8; 2. KtxB mate, 

threat ; 2 . B x R mate . 

"For boldness of design this position is unequalled in the 
competition, and had the constructive skill been on a par with 
the plan of campaign 'Called Back' might have been ordered 
'to the front.' The double- guarding of e5 and f4 is destructive 
of the general economy, and the mate of the Q at g6 is also ob- 
jectionable." 

Judge's Report. 



No. 275. 

Solution: 

1. Kb4, QxKt+; 2. Ktc4mate. 

Qd6+; 2. KtcSmate. 

Pe6+; 2. Pd6 mate, 

threat; 2. Kt c4 mate. 



468 



CHESS LYRICS 



No. 276. 



Competitor in the Current Tourney of Womanhood, 1904-5. 
' ' Somebody ' s Darling . " 










wm '^'* 




illi 





^/7//////7Z'. 



i ^^^^. **^ 

8 ^^ 





■ Isi 

i 




^ i^i 



i^^ 



WHITE 



White to mate in three moves. 



CHESS LYRICS 469 



1. Kb2. Pf5 



Kd4 



No. 276. 


SOLUTIO 


n: 


2. 


QxKt P, Kf6 


3. 


Kt e8 mate. 


2. 


QxKtP, Pf4; 


3. 


Qc3 mate. 


2. 


Ba7+, Ke5; 


3. 


Qg3 mate. 


2. 


Ba7+, Kd3; 


3. 


Bc4 m.ate. 


2. 


Qg3+, Kd4; 


3. 


Ba7 mate. 


2. 


Ktf5+, Ke4; 


3. 


Qbl mate. 



PxP 
Pf2; 



Permission to publish Nos. 276 and 277 prior to the award 
having been kindly given by Mrs. Rhoda A. Bowles, Chess 
Editrix of Womanhood, it is requested that neither of the 
positions be printed or criticised until the Womanhood tourney 
shall have been entirely completed. 



470 



CHESS LYRICS 



No. 277. 



Competitor in the Current Tourney of Womanhood, 1904-5. 
" In the Midst of Alarms." 



1 





m mi 




W//// '/A 






l! 



Jfc ''mm, 'mm 






m 



liH 








m wmm 

1 




White to mate in three moves. 



CHESS LYRICS 471 



No. 277. 



Solution: 


. Kte6, RxQB; 


2. 


Qe5+, KtxQ; 




3. 


Kt d6 mate. 


Kf5; 


2. 


Ktd6+, Ke5; 




3. 


Bd4 mate. 




2. 


Ktd6+, Kf6; 




3. 


Qg7 mate. 


BxKt; 


2. 


Qf4+, Kd5; 




3. 


Qf3 mate. 


RxKB; 


2. 


Ktc5+, Kd5; 




3. 


Kt b6 mate. 




2. 


Ktc5+, Kf5; 




3. 


Qf4 mate. 



472 



CHESS LTRICS 



No^ 278, 



Twentieth Century Retractor. 




^^ mm. 




w. 




m m 






y/7??7A 



^fc 






^'''y/^/z/A^y 




m 



M §^^J 








m 



1. White to retract his last move ; 

2. Black to retract his last move; 

3. Black to play, so that 

4. White can self-mate in one move. 



CHESS LTRICS 473 



No. 278. 

Solution: 

1. White's last move was Qgl-a7xB.R. Replace Q and 

R. 

2. Black's last move was Kg7-f6xW. R. Replace K 

and R. 

3. Black moves Pc2. 

4. White self mates by 1. Rf2+, Bc3 mate. 

It is quite fitting that a collection, as representative as is 
the present one of every stage in the development of the Problem 
Art which the last twenty years has seen, should close with an 
example of the latest wrinkle in construction, the Twentieth 
Century Retractor. This specimen is even a step forward on 
the accepted standard, in that it combines self -mate with 
retractor strategy. Although I do not think the Retractor will 
be a permanent form of chess problem, yet its vogue to-day 
gives an interesting opportunity of studying the somewhat 
original inverted rendering of familiar ideas. In this position, 
for instance, it is left to the student to decide how far the 
Indian theme can be said to be present. 



474 



CHESS LYRICS 

No. 279. 



Competitor in Hampstead and Highgate Express, 1898, 
BLACK 




WHITE 

White to mate in two moves. 
1. Bb8, etc. 

No. 280. 

Honorable Mention in Sydney Morning Herald, 1898-99. 




WHITE 

White to mate in two moves. 
1 . Rd8, etc. 



CHESS LYRICS 



475 



No. 28L 

Contributed to London Chess Monthly, 1889. 
BLACK 




WHITE 

White to mate in three moves. 
1. Ktd2, etc. 



No. 282. 

Competitor in Neues lUustrirtes Blatt, 1897. 
BLACK 




WHITE 

White to mate in three moves. 
1. Qe8, etc. 



476 CHESS LYRICS 



SOLUTION OF FRONTISPIECE: 

1. Qf7, Re6; 2. Rd5+, KxR; 

3. Qf5+, Kany; 

4. Qc5 mate. 

3. Qf5+, KRe5; 

4. Qd7 mate. 

3. Qf5+, QRe5; 

4. QxP mate. 
KxR; 2. R(i7+, Kc6; 

3. Qd5, Kb6; 

4. RxP mate. 
Rd4; 2. QxR+, KxR; 

3. Qe7+, Kd5; 

4. Rc5 mate. 

2. QxR+, Kelse; 

3. Rf7+,Kg5; 

4. Qe5 mate. 
Rg4; 2. Rd5+, Ke4; 

3. Qf5+, Ke3; 

4. RxP mate. 
Rd8; 2. Qd5+, Kf4; 

3. Rf7+, Ke3; 

4. QxP mate. 



As the preceding pages were going 
through the press has come the sorrowful 
news, doubly terrible from its unexpected- 
ness, of Mr. Mackenzie's death in Kingston 
on the early morning of Friday, June 23rd, 
1905. An invalid for many years, there 
had yet been every hope that he might 
live much longer; and indeed, no radical 
change in his condition took place till 
early in June, when the fatal fever first 
showed itself. 

The very eagerness with which, in 
spite of the frequent attacks he suffered 
from, he entered on the work of collabora- 
tion for this volume, recalling earlier half 
forgotten problems and dictating the ex- 
haustive Introduction that he has left as 
his final message to the Chess world, seemed 
a sign to his friends that the publication 
of the book would mark for him the 
beginning of a new period of productive 
activity. But, alas, these hopes were but 
dreams, and no one felt more vividly than 
himself of what slender stuff dreams are 
made. Very vividly he realized how near 
we are every day to that greater awaken- 
ing which the blind always visualize so 
clearly. For Mr. Mackenzie faith was a 
reality, a constant support, not a mere 
matter of words, and he approached death 
in that serious but unhesitating mood 
which a living trust commands. We feel 
that he saw in death the coming of a 
release from his long suffering, of a sleep- 



bringing night after his day of toil and 
achievement, and while all our admiration 
and respect belong to his memory, our 
pity and sympathy go out to his bereaved 
family, who were giving their whole lives 
to his care and who now have to see his 
place forever empty. 

This book has been left just as it had 
been approved by him, so that it is almost 
as though he had himself laid it down. 
The meaning of some of the more personal 
parts may now have changed, but it has 
seemed best not to alter them at all, for 
any change that has taken place has only 
been to make them more vital and of 
more authority. The shock of Mr, Mac- 
kenzie's death is too close on us to allow 
of any attempt to pass judgment on his 
opinions. The day will come when we can 
look at his work impersonally, and it will 
then be time enough in a reprint of this 
work and his earlier collection to omit or 
modify anything that is necessary. 

Meanwhile our whole thoughts focus in 
silent admiration on his tragic figure, end- 
ing a career of triumph that covers a 
quarter century at the age of forty-four, 
when most men are only approaching the 
fruition of their life work. Blind and 
physically nearly helpless he points to 
those stronger than himself the road to 
effort and achievement in spite of defeat, 
to hope in spite of despair. 

A. C. W. 



31^77-3 



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